Some individuals can say and do things that make it difficult to love, but easy to dislike and despise. But, the command to love came in light of all these things.Last week, we discussed the sensitivity of love. Love cares and is the clearest expression of compassion. However, the sentiments and emotions of love are not blind and ignorant. True Christian love is sensible. Paul describes The Sensibility of Love when he states that it does not sing its own praise, it is arrogant, it is not rude, it does not think about itself, nor is it irritable.

It doesn’t sing its own praises. It isn’t arrogant. It isn’t rude. It doesn’t think about itself. It isn’t irritable. 1 Cor 13:4-5 (GW)

Many say that they are operating in love when they are not. How many times have we done things in full consideration of how we will be affected? If some are honest inwardly, their acts of love sometimes were motivated by personal gain which commonly is characterized by the appreciation of others. As we consider Paul’s statements, let us examine ourselves, endeavoring to be true demonstrators of God’s love.

It does not sing its own praises. It isn’t arrogant. There are many who perform good works and acts of kindness in the name of Christian and brotherly love. However, they are not satisfied until they tell the world of what they did and how they did it and who they did it for. Some boast in their acts of benevolence and philanthropy. Yet, Christians should be satisfied with the reward awaiting them in heaven. Even if no one tells you thank you, if you were motivated by love, your satisfaction should be that I demonstrated God’s love and someone was blessed.

It isn’t rude. It is not irritable. Last week we discussed that love is sensitive. If we are walking in love, we will not be rude as we perform good works and in our personal interactions. Love should cause us to walk in humility and to speak with wisdom. In addition, we cannot allow the good that we have shown others to be the grounds to talk to people in ungodly fashions. Some believe that if they have done something good for another, they have the right to talk to them any kind of way. This is untrue and not like Christ.

Moreover, do not become annoyed with individuals because of their need for your love. Love should be limitless. Some become irritated with others stating that they are tired of ‘listening,’ ‘doing,’ and ‘being there.’ This may be a sign that the good shown was not born out of true Christian love. God does not get tired of demonstrating His love and compassion to us when we fall, if we come to Him sincerely. He sees our need. We have to emulate this attitude to avoid becoming irritated with others to whom we have shown compassion.

It does not think about itself. A clear sign of true love in operation is its selflessness. Jesus endured all things because He loved. We sometimes are preoccupied with personal comfort in our demonstration of love characterized by good works. We sometimes say in ourselves, “What will others think if I do this for them?” – “Will I get my money back?” – “Will they appreciate what I did?’” and the like. However, love does what it does without self consideration. Jesus did not avoid the cross because every may not receive Him. Yet, He willingly gave His life knowing that many would still reject Him and His work. His example should inspire us to have this motto, “I do what I do because I love, with appreciation for your reception while not being moved by your rejection.

It is true. Everyone will not appreciate what you do. Everyone may not treat you well even after you demonstrate love. This is why you need love’s sensibility. It helps to keep you humble when accepted and to keep you focused when rejected. We can sometimes do what we do for an expected outcome. But if we never get the thanks or see the fruit of our labor of love in an individual’s life, remember, we love because He loved us.

Love is patient. Love is kind. Love isn’t jealous. 1 Corinthians 13:4 (GW)

Love is not an option for the Christian; therefore, an understanding and demonstration of love has to characterize life. To gain a full understanding of love, we must first understand The Sensitivity of Love. Paul began his description of love by stating that love is patient, love is kind, love is not jealous. These reveal love’s sensitivity. If we are going to walk in love, we need love’s sensitivity. Love is sensitive to a person’s need. When people are offensive and hurtful, it is a sure sign of an inner need. Love helps us to desensitize from our personal feelings and be attentive to another. In doing so, we can be demonstrators of patience and kindness while forsaking any feelings of jealousy.

Patient – When we walk in love, patience will be our hallmark. Love causes an individual to put up with and endure another’s sin, weakness, and even an attack. It is because love causes foresight. You will look beyond what a person is to what a person can become. God demonstrates patience as He deals with us because He knows what we can be in Him. Therefore, we must have this same mindset in our dealings with others.

Kind – Love causes us to respond in kindness and calmly when someone offends or tries to abuse or use us. The Bible says that God is kind to the unthankful and evil. We are challenged to be like Him. You must understand that God’s kindness is to give offenders an opportunity to receive Him. When we are demonstrating kindness to deliberate offenders, we give them the opportunity to consider their ways and ultimately repent. Even if they do not change or repent, we have laid up for ourselves treasures in heaven.

Not Jealous – Love is selfless. It considers others before itself. Yet, the nature of man is oftentimes selfish. Because of this, jealousy becomes a common emotional response to some else’s apparent prosperity. It is an enemy of love. Jealousy causes people to disregard a person’s need because of personal perception. In addition, jealousy will cause you to withhold kindness and patience from an individual. It is cruel. However, if you confront feelings of jealousy at their first appearance, you will find it easier to walk in love.

We must understand that love is sensitive. It looks beyond a person’s actions into a person’s need. It can be difficult to remain sensitive when others are repeat offenders. However, Christians take their “cue” from the Lord. If He demonstrated patience and kindness to us even when we were deliberately in error, we can do it for others. Strive for love. When we walk in love, we prove that we are His children.

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Everything created has a beginning and an end. We expect things at some point in time to stop. However, as Christians, there is something that we cannot ever stop doing; that is, we cannot stop believing in our God. Foundational to the Christian life is the ability to have faith; that is, believe. Without a belief in the work of God through Jesus Christ, one cannot enter into salvation. Moreover, the obtained salvation cannot be maintained without an ever growing faith, hope, and belief in God.

Our belief in God has to go beyond a general belief in His existence. It has to expand to a solid belief in His power and ability to move on our behalf. Why do Christians stop believing that God is willing to move on their behalf? Even after He has done so many things apparently, it can still be difficult to trust Him. Many are double-minded: they swing between believing and not believing. Yet, it is time now to strengthen our faith in Christ again. We have to have a daily, active faith in our Christian walk.

Christians may not wrestle with belief in His existence, but they do wrestle with belief in His willingness to intervene in their life affairs. In this state, spiritual development is frustrated. This type of erroneous thinking frustrates many. Causes for this thinking vary from individual to individual. Some do not believe because they do not think they deserve anything from God. Others feel that they have done so much wrong that God could not possibly hear their requests. Yet, others feel that if they are not a “called” person then God is not concerned about them. All of these thoughts are inconsistent with sound biblical doctrine. Here are 3 reasons why a Christian must not stop believing in God (through prayers) who will walk with them daily:

1. We are instructed to pray. Jesus taught on numerous occasions concerning prayer. He said that we are to always pray and not faint. The parable He used demonstrated that even though we may have to pray about a situation more than once, it does not mean we will not get our request. We should come to Him in prayer, again, because He said so. He gives an open invitation. Why not receive it?

2. We are instructed to pray in expectation. He told us to ask in faith, believing we will receive from Him. Though there are times when our requests are rejected (for our benefit nonetheless), we can never stop believing that He will give us what we have asked for. He said that everyone that asks will receive. Jesus said that if our earthly fathers knew how to give good things, how much more our heavenly Father. If you are bold enough to make the supplication, He is God enough to perform it.

3. We are instructed to pray so that God would receive glory. When we pray and God answers accordingly, He receives glory. How? We bring glory to His name personally and as tell others of His good works towards us. God receives no glory in unanswered prayers. Trust that He will do it for you. Develop your times of prayer before Christ. Do not doubt His presence and power to perform your requests. If it is not in His will, He will give you peace in the midst of it. Remember, never accept defeat in faith: Don’t Stop Believing.

Well there you have it. Until next time, continue in Him who is faithful.

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God is the author of life. His very words contain creative power. When He created the earth, He did it through the power of His famous words, “Let there be…” Until this present day, all things that were set in motion remain by the power of His word. From other scriptures, we discover that aside from the power of His words, God’s thoughts and intents will certainly happen. In the book of Isaiah, God declares,

The Lord of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand (Isaiah 14:24)

Whatever the will of the Lord is shall surely happen. Without even speaking, if God thinks or purposes to do something, it will happen. Thus, we understand that God possesses all power.

Because of the awesome power of God, He can turn around the unclean things of our lives. The Book of Job asks, “Who can bring a clean out of an unclean?” – God can. God brings impossible things to fruition. The Bible abounds with accounts of God doing the impossible in the midst of man’s impossible situations. Jesus reminded the disciples that with God, all things are possible.

But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26)

Though men readily accept the awesomeness of God’s power, some do not believe that this power is available in times of personal failures. If God is able to do all things, then our failures in life do not frustrate His work.  He is able to turn them around. This is assured if we desire His will for our lives.

Whatever God has purposed for your life will come to pass if you continue to follow Him. However, many members in the Body of Christ become complacent in their relationship with the Lord because they believe they have made too many mistakes. This leads to self-doubt, regrets, depression, and frustration. These things will bring death to one’s relationship with Christ.

The Bible is full of stories describing man’s failure and God’s restoration. Even God’s choicest servants failed. Yet, they were able to recover and receive what God had for them in their lives. From Genesis to Revelation, the cycle of failure to redemption to destiny is repeated. This cycle is repeated in the lives of believers today. However, understand that God is willing to restore and renew.

Allow Him to turn around the past contraventions, your present’s contentions, and your future concerns. Develop fervor in allowing Him to transform your life. God can turn it around.

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Most people struggle with their personal histories. It is a known fact. Many live in regret wishing they could go back and change the past or relive the past. Neither of these are beneficial or practical if one wants to progress in life. In the book of Joshua, God was ready for Israel to go into their land of promise. However, they were too busy mourning over Moses. So, He sent His word to Joshua for he and the people to arise; that is, get over it.

Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. Josh 1:2 (KJV)

In our lives, there are situations that consistently stunt us from progressing in our relationship with Christ. Yet, the time is now to get over them. Regardless of the source of your frustration, it is not the intent of God for you to be frustrated and restrained by them. There are two areas that many need to get over.

Get over Past Hurts. No one likes to be hurt, rejected, and ridiculed. However, they are a part of life. Individuals have been hurt by family, friends, and members of the church. Though it is painful, one must forgive, develop “amnesia,” and move on. When Peter asked Jesus about forgiveness, Jesus challenged his sensibilities in His response.

Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. Matt 18:21-22 (KJV)

Jesus said this in light of the magnitude of offenses that can occur in life. In many instances, the offenders have moved on, so why don’t you. Allow God to heal those areas so you can be free.

Get over Past Failures. Everyone fails and makes mistakes. It is no reason to give up on yourself. God will never leave you, even if you have failed in your walk with Him. Many need to forgive themselves. Understand that you cannot change what has been done, but you can affect what shall be done. As Paul wrote to the Philippians, he penned these famous words,

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Phil 3:13-14 (KJV)

We are reminded that everyone is striving. Therefore, we must forget things in the past that can hinder and frustrate us. We cannot allow fear of the past or future to stop us from pushing and moving forward in Christ.

Get up from your dead situations. Get over things you cannot change, including  things about yourself. And, pursue Christ and His will for your life. Remember, Christ came to give you life and that to the fullest.

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Excuses! Excuses! Excuses! Have you ever met someone who had nothing but excuses? After a while, it becomes evident that excuses become covers for some internal weakness or hindrance. Many are afraid to try and then fail. Is that you? Others are afraid of responsibility and accountability that comes from promotion and success? Is that you? Others are just plain lazy. They love personal comfort. They want maximum results with little effort. Is that you? It is time for no more excuses. It is time to redirect your focus.

Excuses, however, is the shield that many Christians use to justify their lack of growth and maturity in the walk with Christ. Many say that the Church is not right. This is an excuse for non attendance. Others say that they were hurt or disappointed by those in the Church. This becomes an excuse not to fellowship. Then, there are those who say the Bible is hard to understand and their prayer time does not seem spiritual. This serves as an excuse not develop a relationship through the study of the scriptures and personal prayer and devotion. In this lesson, we want to deal with a chief excuse among Christians as to the lack of service, devotion, and development of their relationship with God. It is four powerful letters – L-I-F-E.

There are numerous things in life that cannot and will not change. For reasons unknown, God does allow Christians to experience many hard and challenging situations. Because of the intensity, stress, and difficulty that life brings, many are in a holding pattern in the walk with God. They are waiting for life to slow down; that is, become easier. When this happens, then they will develop their relationship with Christ. This is not a good posture to take with one’s personal salvation and spiritual growth.

The Bible tells us that Christians will suffer and David’s words are true where he states that many are the affliction of the righteous. However, the trials, tests, and tribulations that come are no excuse to stop pursuing Him and developing our relationship with Him. If you never get the job you want, pursue Him. If you never get married, pursue Him. If members of your family do not receive Him, pursue Him. Do not allow things that you cannot change to become excuses for your lack of personal growth and maturity.

Does this mean that I should not pray and stand in expectation? NO! However, it does mean that if God sees fit to allow the situation to continue, do not lose your faith in Him. He knows all things. The Bible is full of stories of people who served God, but had to experience very, very, hard times. Just know this that if we suffer with Him, we will reign in the life that is to come. Some feel that because their lives are not going how they would like, there is no real reason to continue to serve Him. Do not allow this mindset to grip you. Remember, our salvation not only has promise in this life, but the one that is to come. In that Day, you will not remember and the difficulties of this life will not come into mind. There will be rejoicing and reward.

Lose the excuses. Allow God to continue to develop you. Allow His light to shine even in hard situations. If you have lasted this long, it is only because He has been with you. Go on to maturity in Him that in the middle of your worst situations, you can maintain joy, peace, strength, and an ever increasing faith in Him. It is only in losing personal excuses that the Christian is able to focus on Christ and His plan and purpose for his/her life.

Well, there you have it! Until next time, continue to be steadfast and unmoveable in your walk with the Lord. If you would like more lessons and exhortations for Christian living,  I have included them in detail in my book, “Is there a Word from the Lord? (Book IV): Lessons for Redirecting the Focus, the Fears, and the Fervor of the Christian,” which can be found at Kingdom Builders Publishing and Amazon.com.