Just for today,
“Be Love.”
Easier said than done.
Just when I think I’m a loving person, someone says or posts something and I feel the rage of disagreement well up within me. Not so loving thoughts appear. I like to think that I’m open minded, but it’s difficult with the extreme polarization that exists today.
A New Outlook.
My husband Jim and I took a staycation this past week. It was wonderful to have some down time, to enjoy being together, relaxing, reading, exercising, and having some of our favorite meals. During this time, I completed a book titled “Reckless Love” by Tom Berlin. Berlin reminded me of the power of God. With God’s help I can become a better lover of people, not like me.
I started reading the book on vacation because I was discouraged. My faith is being challenged with my country’s (USA's) political extremes. Two parties, for the most part, not willing to value each other or listen to one another. People of faith exist on both sides of the isle. How do I come to grips with the fact that I know Christians who are members of different political parties who believe their doing God's Will?
Through Berlin's book I realized that's not the question I should be asking. Maybe more like, what can I do to be more loving toward people that I don't agree with? Or, how can I be a part of the solution rather then fueling the problem?
The book encourages us to have a relationship with God. To let God take us to places we’ve never been before.
Berlin mentioned, how Jesus was into experiential learning when it came to his disciples.
"In many ways, Jesus was reckless. Rather than meet faithful Jews in the synagogue or Temple, Jesus' path took them to outcasts, Gentiles, Roman soldiers, women, people who were physically and mentally ill, and some said to be demon possessed... They saw him rejected by old neighbors of his hometown... Rather than ridicule sinners, he forgave them. When he heard of a man who lived among the tombs who was a danger to himself and others, Jesus got in a boat and went to look for him." - pgs 9-10 of e-book "Reckless Love"
I was reminded that I’m responsible for me and the choices that I make and for my relationship with Christ. To remember why I became a Christian in the first place. Christ showed how much he loved me by sacrificing his life. With gratitude, I desire to “Be Love,” with God’s help. I need God's help and guidance now more than ever. How about you?
Also, that once in a relationship with God, if I'm willing to listen, there’s transformation. Berlin lays out some guidance to assist in that transformation, drawing closer to God, to “Be Love.”
Begin with Love
Expand the Circle
Lavish Love
Openhearted Love
Value the Vulnerable
Emulate Christ
If you, too, are struggling with loving others, you disagree with, and would like to experience the transformational power of God, I’d like to invite you to read, “Reckless Love” by Tim Berlin, during Lent this year, either on your own or with a group. My church, Hope Ministries, will be hosting a Lenten Study on ZOOM, using this book, starting Wednesday, February 24 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm for six weeks. For more information or to sign up Be Love form. You are welcome to join us.
