“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.” 1 Corinthians 13:1 NIV
“If love is to be a blessing, not a misery, it must be for the only Beloved who will never pass away.”— C.S. Lewis, The Four Loves
The hardest lesson to learn is love, yet, it is the only thing that matters here and for eternity. The second hardest lesson in love is that it isn’t just emotions—passion may be there–but love acts lovingly even when the feeling is absent.
I remember taking the marriage vow, “for better or worse, for richer or poorer.” Passion and excitement covered the hard reality of what the vow meant. It meant spending almost every dollar on medical expenses, spending sleepless nights cleaning up vomit and blood, and giving up a career I loved. I did what was the loving thing through humiliation, tears and fear. Many of you have done the same for your children, families and friends.
Love ain’t cheap. But it’s the only thing that lasts. It’s the only thing that saves. Remember: God is Love. Love is a Person.
Everybody gets the lesson. The young have problems, the middle-aged have problems, and the old have problems. The rich, the poor, and the famous have problems. We all have problems with love. All problems are based on love: absence of love, dysfunctional love, or just no clue while scrambling for a fake image of it in the wrong places and persons. Sometimes we feel there isn’t enough love to go around. There is. Love is not a pie cut into pieces.
The lesson has a test. We can study, prepare, and practice, but love is still not easily learned. We have an example: Jesus. In Job, Job states how blessed he will be after he is tested by fire like gold. Love.
Love costs. Time. Money. Ego. Sleep. A teenager past curfew is a harrowing experience.
Baby steps. Just for today, I will be kind. Promise yourself this and watch what happens. Usually, someone who is very difficult will show up. A snarky customer service rep, a snoopy neighbor, or an arrogant politician will be right before you. And Jesus died for them because He loved them. Self-awareness shows how difficult just being kind can be! Hope: Romans 5 where God lavishly pours out His love for us through the Holy Spirit. We have plenty of love to give. The Father will fill it as soon as you pour out your love.
Musings
90 days of Praise was recommended to me for a coworker I had been struggling with. She was flighty, passive-aggressive, and treated me like she wanted to treat her absent mom. Through gritted teeth with prayer, I pointed out her strengths: excellent people skills, creative problem-solving, and an optimistic spirit. Did it take? Yes. Right away? No. And through it all, I was the one who changed first. By the way, this person is now one of my beloved friends. Love is patient.
Prayer
Dear Father,
Your Son demonstrated perfect love on the cross. May we start today with grace and humility, loving others as ourselves. Show us how to love each person we encounter, including ourselves, with thanksgiving.
Amen.
Prayers and Musings of a Black Sheep 