Our thoughts today are of the love God has shown us in sending His Son, Jesus. God’s love in human form.
This kind of love has certain characteristics… unlike all other types of love. In scriptures from both the Old and New Testaments we see it’s caring and self sacrificing actions:
“For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great
God, mighty and awesome, who is not partial and takes no bribe, who
executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and who loves the
strangers, providing them food and clothing. You shall also love the
stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.
~ Deuteronomy 10:17-19a
I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I
have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will
know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
~ John 13:34-35
Those Who Need Our Love
One thing that stands out for me about God’s love is that it isn’t a generalized warm and “fuzzy feeling” love. People often feel vague, warm, and comfortable feelings of affection and call that “love”. At times their perceptions of the object of those feelings originate more in their imaginations than from the actual person.
Linus, Peanuts cartoon by Charles Shultz.
God’s love is specific and focused. It targets where the needs are, and begins there. Sometimes that kind of love feels anything but warm and fuzzy. It can hurt, feel grimy and smelly, disrupt our schedules , and many other things that we don’t usually associate with feeling loving.
This isn’t the only way God expresses His nature of love, but it begins there. By not ignoring the areas of need, it shows the substantial power of what it is to truly care for the real, whole person; not just your shallow view of them.
These feet need washing
Do We Want that Kind of Love?
Besides this, we don’t always want that focus to fall on us. we don’t wish to be confronted, reminded of what is in our best interest. Just leave us alone!
But something that bears good fruit brings us joy, peace, and love. We do want to be capable of love, and wish to receive the comfort and belonging that a real love provides.
Today is dedicated to love that is exemplified in Christmas.
During this time, express one thing you are very thankful for at this moment. Then express one specific thing (good thing!) you love about each person about you.
Let love rule.
Carol
God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
