It's a Start

Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. Ephesians 4:32-5:2 (New American Standard Bible)

I love it when Scripture spells things out so clearly. Last night I asked a friend what it looks like to love others in the Lord even when personalities clash and you can barely stand to be around them. It is a dilemma we all face from time to time and I knew I was in the throws of one myself. What I wanted to know from my friend was what does that kind of love look like and how do I go about showing it. She is the kind of person I will ask questions of and assume she will always have the wisdom of Solomon when she answers me. We both laughed when her only answer was to let her know when I found out myself, because she too has an individual she is learning to love in the Lord!

After our conversation, the Lord brought today’s passage to mind. It is a beautiful and descriptive portrait of walking in love. Basically it is encouraging me to be kind, tender-hearted, and forgiving of others. As I imitate God and walk in love (just as Jesus did) it will be a precious perfume to God. What I give up for others delights God. It all sounded great but left my heart unchanged. I knew I needed a different starting point and God graciously gave me one this morning.

I recalled how last week He nudged me to begin honoring an individual with whom I was housing negative thoughts. It was a powerful exercise that I have continued to use as needed. But when I tried to bring it into this other relationship, it wasn’t effective. Just as in the case of Old Testament battles, God will not always give the same instructions. This time I was to pray for this individual and what a list He has given me. I went to www.biblegateway.com and came up with a number of verses that were actual prayers. Prayers for God’s wisdom, strength, and working. With the list, I formulated a prayer that was specific for this individual as well as one for myself. I am finding it is a powerful thing when we infuse our prayers with Scripture! Praying God’s Word is not a new concept but it is being newly used by me and I am standing in expectancy of God’s answers to those prayers.

I don’t have a complete answer for the issue of loving others in the Lord, but what God has given me so far is both precious and powerful. I know that obedience in this area will bring about profound changes in me and others.


Father, I want to walk in love and that is requiring a change in me. Teach me Your ways and help me to follow You. Amen.

HOW BEAUTIFUL -Twila Paris
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJfSp_rceFs&feature=related