If I were to ask you who is the most important person in your life, who pops into your head?
It has been said the top five people you text stream or talk with most frequently are most important. Where you spend your time relates to who or what is most important. Just as much, perhaps it's what you think about that has the top spot.
When was the last time you gave up or did something that was a true inconvenience for you? Or actually caused you pain or misunderstanding for the benefit of another?
You bet I would do it for my children or their children. Yes, my honey too. Those who are near and dear to my heart, kindness and going the extra mile, you bet.
Philippians 2:4 Possess a greater concern for what matters to others instead of your own interests. And consider the example that Jesus, the Anointed One, has set before us. Let his mindset become your motivation.
Then there's another thought, about doing something for another, who can't return the favor or is down and out, or may need a helping hand, actually feeds our own tank.
But what about those who don't want what I have to give? How about those who think differently? Would I give to someone who consciously tries to hurt me? Hates me? Steal from me?
There is a scripture for that!
Luke 6:32-36 “Are you really showing true love by only loving those who love you back? Even those who don’t know God will do that. Are you really showing compassion when you do good deeds only to those who do good deeds to you? Even those who don’t know God will do that. “If you lend money only to those you know will repay you, what credit is that to your character? Even those who don’t know God do that. But love your enemies and continue to treat them well. When you lend money, don’t despair if you are never paid back, for it is not lost. You will receive a rich reward and you will be known as true children of the Most High God, having his same nature. For your Father is famous for his kindness to heal even the thankless and cruel. Show mercy and compassion for others, just as your heavenly Father overflows with mercy and compassion for all.”
Endless love, rarely convenient, and not a matter of feeling. What I have discovered, is I need it more than anyone I know in the midst of my flaws, my own judgments, sin, and own self righteousness. Thank you Jesus.
My prayer is the love I have been shown would be the love I give.