Where is the Love?

People killing people dying
Children hurtin you hear them crying
Can you practice what you preach
Would you turn the other cheek?
Father Father Father help us
Send some guidance from above
Cause people got me got me questioning
Where is the love?
– Black Eyed Peas

For the past week, I’ve been listenning to this song a bunch. It’s catchy, got a great beat and melody and most importantly- great message. After worship and offering yesterday, this song started playing before Pastor Brett preached. Coincidence much?

There are people in our life who we don’t like as much, some we might even call enemies. We see them around, we give them a glare, turn around and talk to our friends about them. How do you think that makes them feel? I commit this sin ALL the time- I am not perfect. If we, individually, try to love them- we will get very impatient and it will be impossible for us to show love.

Upgraded love requires God, Knowledge, Insight and Stretching.

God is our one and only source of love to love others. If we have love based on what the world around us tells you, eventually you will be disappointed. Have insight on-your friend, boyfriend/girlfriend, spouse or whoever it might be- know their love language, know  how they express themselves and the way in which they like to recieve love.

Love requires Stretching, sacrificing yourself to Love others. Sacrificial Love. You have to be intentional about putting yourself in positions that will require you to stretch yourself, leave your boundaries to love those who might be different from you. To love beyond what is a routine, to Trust and Allow God to work in you. Love in a way that’s inconvient to you. For example, DON’t take someone out to dinner that can take you back out the next time- but take someone to dinner who is incapable of taking you out and can’t return the favor.

In addition, love without exterior motives. Many people talk to others, or love others because they want to get something out of it. It’s one of the worse feelings to know that someone is talking to you to quote en quote use you. Some Christians do the same thing, they love non-christians because they want them to become a Christian. I’m not saying you shouldn’t show God to them – but when you love with your whole heart, without exterior motives, everything will follow. God will work through you and show himself to them.

But all that is impossible without trusting in God.

It’s not about trying harder, it’s about trusting more.

Have a great day,
Joanne.