11.07.09
New Face of Love …
I keep feeling it being pressed upon my heart that it is time for a new face of love – time for us in today’s world to begin living the unconditional love that was encouraged by Moses, lived by David (the man after God’s own heart) and taught by Jesus.
Only thru many mistakes, dark valleys, and difficult personal life experiences are the eyes of our hearts opened to the meaning of how to live in unconditional love. Yes, many of us act in love but living true unconditional love is different. Until we make some mistakes and begin facing the giants, we don’t always see what within our very own hearts has to be changed. As I’ve shared in some of my other blogs, learning to live in unconditional love is one of the hardest things I have ever had to learn but is exactly the place where each of our hearts will find rest.
God brings us to a place where although life may bring sorrow or hurt, we no longer confuse the actions of someone with their heart or where they are along their journey to unconditional love. We find that our perspective is one that instead of turning bitter, angry or upset – thru the tears and hurt we find ourselves praying for them and asking God to teach them what He has taught us. We have compassion, empathy and patience because we have learned the true meaning of “forgive them they know not what they do” … We get it.
I want to share a few things this journey has taught me in hopes of helping you along yours.
1. When someone is not being nice to you, be kind. You don’t know what is going on in their life at the moment so be kind and hold your tongue. Remember we are judged by what comes out of our mouth not what goes in!
2. If someone succeeds at something in life (especially if it is something you would love to do yourself) don’t get envious but sincerely be happy for them. View it as a place you know you will be some day instead of a measuring stick of failure.
3. When you do succeed (and you will!), do not boast in your accomplishments only boast in what God has done in your life – remember you could not have done it alone, He deserves all the credit.
4. Do not be a proud peacock – pride sends you down the wrong path so instead fill your heart with thankfulness.
5. I do not care how inconsiderate someone is to you, do not be rude EVER and if you slip up then apologize. Just because someone forgets your fries in drive-thru or you would “never” do what that person is doing, it does not give you the right to be rude or haughty – they are human just like you.
6. Love expecting nothing in return … this is a hard one! We need to be able to freely give love with no expectations. God will then overflow our hearts with every bit of love that we give out and then some!
7. Be slow to anger – even when someone is pushing your buttons (yes especially those who know exactly what buttons to push), control your temper. Remember just as it is impossible to put toothpaste back into the tube – our words cannot be taken back.
8. Forgive and forget … oh I know that last part gotcha but please do not keep reminding people (or yourself) of things that God has forgiven them for – do not keep a checklist of what someone has done so you can recall it at any time like you do your favorite TV program on DVR.
9. Act in love. No matter what we face in life, strive to see the good in everyone and everything. Let our actions always be out of love, not evil.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
May God bless you and be with you on your journey to a new face of love … unconditional Love.
Love to you all!
Sandi Rauwolf
Author, Blessings Too Good
