When Love has to Put on Its Work Boots
Well now, come right on up on this ol’ front porch, friend, and find yourself a real sturdy chair to squeeze yourself on into before these warm biscuits lose their courage and that lil’ ol’ blue jay on the fence starts fussin' and actin’ like he downright owns the property. Today we’re talkin’ about people. Not the real easy ones. I mean those folks that can get under your skin quicker than a real sharp cocklebur in a wool sock.
1 Corinthians 13:8 says, “Love never fails.” That there sounds mighty beautiful until God gives us somebody difficult to practice on.
Anybody can love the person that plum agrees with everything they say. The test comes when somebody’s personality plum rubs against yours like two ol’ barn cats disputin’ over ownership of the same porch cushion.
Biblical love ain’t just pretendin’ everybody’s plum delightful. It’s choosin’ to treat people with the grace Jesus has shown us. 1 Corinthians 13:4–7 tells us that “love is patient, kind, humble, forgiving, hopeful, and enduring.” Notice Scripture sho’-nuff’ never says love plum requires the other person to quit aggravatin’ you first.
That’s downright why this here prayer matters: “Lord, I don’t have enough love for this person. Please give me Yours.”
And here’s our new and mighty good supportin’ promise that’s found in 1 Thessalonians 3:12, which says, “May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else.” God don’t merely command love. He sho’-nuff’ supplies what our hearts lack.
Sometimes love looks less like warm feelin’s and more like refusin’ to gossip, answerin’ gently, prayin’ sincerely, or servin’ somebody you’d plum rather avoid. That may not feel very spectacular, but heaven sho’-nuff’ recognizes it.
Lord, when my patience gets thinner than gravy at a church supper, fill me with Your love. Help me see difficult people through Your eyes. Teach me to bless, pray, forgive, and serve even when my feelings lag behind. Let Your love overflow through me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Now head right on into your day, friend, and don’t be lettin’ one prickly ol’ personality turn you into an ol’ porcupine with a Bible. A stubborn mule can still carry somethin’ valuable, and even a briar patch can shelter a songbird. Ask Jesus for enough love for the next person in front of you. Then put on those spiritual work boots and plum walk that love right out into the world.
With joy,
Gwen
