Something New

It's the day after Christmas, and all through the house...the new things are unwrapped and in the rooms of their owners.

The day after Christmas should be a time to reflect on how Jesus came to earth. How his Father gave him up for us. It should be...but how often do we just go on with our lives. There are sales to get to and things to do. Why should we think about Jesus?

On Christmas Eve, I came home from a cruise to the Bahamas. It was seriously amazing. I've never had a more relaxing vacation. I got time to spend with Jesus, time to read and so much food.

For the past few months, I've been having stomach problems again. I can't quite put my finger on the cause though. When I've struggled with this in the past, it has been stress. But most of the stress in my life is non-existent. God has got my back and I'm not too worried. There is always something happening but God has truly been working on me in that area. So that can't be it. It's something new...just not pleasant.

Anyways, back to my story. On Christmas Eve, I was at my church, helping out with the Christmas Eve services. Grove Coffee was open and hopping. Through the first two services, it was all I could do to just keep going. For some reason, my head wasn't in the game. I wasn't able to function. Then I went to the service.

Palmer talked about love.

As you know, this is one of my favorite subjects.
Love is so important to show to people this day and age.
No one knows how to love unconditionally anymore.
The one thing Palmer pointed out was the performance aspect of love.
Wherever we turn, we are asked to perform.
If we perform well, we are given approval, which is mistaken by most as love.
That's not love.

Love is unconditional. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices in the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a) Love is hard to see in others. Because we give love in all kinds of ways. And we receive love in all kinds of ways.

How are you loving people? Examine your heart. Are you loving unconditionally? You're human. Don't be too hard on yourself. I'll be the first to admit that I know I do not love unconditionally all the time. But that's why I have God. To give me that love to give. I am incapable without Him. Are you legalistic about things? Do you write people off when they don't follow exactly how you think they should live their life? Do you stop showing them love? Who are you to do that? You are a fallen human, as am I.

My challenge to you is to love. Don't love out of obligation. Love because he first loved you. Love unconditionally. You don't know what battle people are fighting. All you know is loving them could make all the difference in the world. Love, my friends. Love unconditionally.