Giving the Gift of Love
How often do you give the gift of love to others? If it’s in words then use the word “I” and include the word “love” and end with the word “you.” Real love is resilient. It never gives up. It stands firm.
Jesus told His disciples to love one another “as I have loved you” (John 13:34). That wouldn’t be so hard if the love Jesus displayed was primarily the write-a-cheque or call-once-a-month kind of love. But Jesus set the bar immeasurably high. Jesus’ kind of love touched the skin of a leper and washed the feet of a soon-to-be betrayer. He didn’t mind interruption by another’s demands, even those of a person all others disdained. Jesus had the uncanny ability to look straight into a person’s soul to see the deepest need there.
Is that an impossible example to follow? You bet it is! That’s why God sent the Holy Spirit to live inside us and empower us with His supernatural love. Only when “plugged in” to that power will His followers stand out in their treatment of others and of one another. Then people will take notice and say, “My, how they love one another!” Let these resources set you on the path of loving with the Saviour’s love.
How often do you give the gift of love to others? If it’s in words then use the word “I” and include the word “love” and end with the word “you.” Real love is resilient. It never gives up. It stands firm.
There has only ever been one perfect gift, and it was given more than 2,000 years ago. This gift is too wonderful for words. In fact, the Bible says it’s indescribable.
The first Christmas was simple, not a lavish event. Jesus’ birth remains the purest and most beautiful story in all of history.
Christmas is right around the corner. How about filling a cup full of kindness? An authentic extension of love to someone who doesn’t deserve it. Now there’s a new idea for a Christmas gift that would never be forgotten.
When self-esteem is missing from our lives we erect defences, wear masks, or become clowns. But when we have self-esteem we are able to love, give of ourselves, and pull the best out of others.
I understand concepts like compassion, grace, love, and justice because my parents model them. And I wonder how I would know these things about God if I didn’t have a godly father.
One of the benefits of having a married partner in life is you have someone who will rescue you. Not to enable one another, but a genuine and wise rescue, where if you didn’t have your partner to take you in another direction, you would deeply regret your actions.
It’s one thing to be apathetic towards people. We’re often indifferent to politics and social justice—trusting others to take care and do what’s right. As serious as apathy is, apathy towards God is even more critical. When we open our hearts to God He replaces apathy with passion... and that’s when our lives are changed.
This Easter, celebrate the Resurrection of the Saviour with Pastor Chuck Swindoll. Discover how Jesus’ Resurrection is no mere hoax but is, instead, the foundation upon which God invites you to build your life and to rest your hope.
Ephesians provides six essential disciplines that reinforce healthy models of relating, necessary for a happy marriage and a happy family.