Laying down of rights and wants, putting others first. Deny self. Builds up others, covers transgressions, forgives. Merciful, compassionate, forebearing. Seeks God above all, compelled by Christ, originated by God. Cannot be quenched. To love enemies and one another. Love to be genuine. Is a fruit of, production of, result of the Holy Spirit. Greastest characteristic for a Christian to put on. Proof of our salvation. Is patient, kind, not prideful or rude.
So how can I love more? Or love better?
- I need to be rooted and built up in Christ, in the Gospel, in the Truths of the Word. Need Scripture actively on my heart and my mind. Need to constantly meditate on the Gospel.
- I need humble dependence in prayer. Only God can give me the grace and softened heart to love.
- I need to recognize my unworthiness of God's love and be filled with thanksgiving for the abundance He gives. I nailed Jesus to the tree. I committed the infinitely highest form of treason against the infinitely highest God.
- Put others first, which should be a natural outflow from the first 3.
Sometimes I think that Christian Paul surely would not have said he was the chief of sinners if he would have seen my life. There are days that I may as well carry around a little wooden idol of myself, because I can be the most selfish and self-centered person I know. And to think that God calls me Righteous and Beloved in Christ. I am not quick to forgive and forebear. I am not slow to anger or compassion or mercy. I have an awful time giving grace when I am wronged (or think I have been wronged).
Make my heart loathe the thought of my flesh, Lord, and come running to Christ, bow at His feet, and cling to Him alone.
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