How Do You Love?
This oldie but goody song has been playing in my head and I find myself having having random dance parties in my house. ;) It’s a simple premise: Rosemary brings love wherever she goes. I was thinking about that? Do I bring love in situations? Do I give the benefit of the doubt or assume the worst? Am I open? What do others see and feel when I’m there or they meet me? How are you doing with those questions? Where would we rate ourselves on the Rosemary-Love meter?
I think it’s a good check-in question. We can get so busy with our schedules and to-do lists we simply miss opportunities to bring love and joy into someone’s day.
Most mornings I walk around the pond, a quick drive from my house, with a dear friend. You have seen a lot of the pictures here with my quotes or a scripture and, if you follow me, on my socials. There are several ladies (and a few men) we see, say hello to, encourage each other, smile and move on. But over time we have learned some names and heard parts of stories and it’s a beautiful way to start the day. I look forward to seeing them and miss them when I don’t.
It’s a simple thing and I am reminded how much God loves each one of us. As we connect for that brief moment in our day, I want to be a light and show God’s love to my pond people. “Pond People” that sounds like a horror movie. :0 :) That took a turn, let’s move on…
This past week we started a new study in LifeGroup and one scripture really hit me.
“If you love me, you will obey what I command.” ~ John 14:15
The comma there is really important. WHEN we love God … BECAUSE we love God … we change our habits. We no longer do the things that separate us from Him. We want to do things that honor Him, that bring Him joy. It is no longer a chore to read His Word to get to know Him, or pray and talk to Him. What we thought we would never be able to give up, we freely hold it with open hands. We find the courage to step out and do things we thought we would never be able to, because we are not alone and we have His power and strength.
Because we love Him, we deal with the issues of our heart and not hold onto the hurt, bitterness, rejection, anger, unforgiveness etc…
Our ability to love comes from God. We all get that from Him. As Jesus-Followers, we should be better at living it out than anyone else.
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God.” ~ 1 John 4:7
I know that there may be some people that have really hurt us and some situations that are not healthy for us to be in. Forgiveness takes time and it doesn’t mean you need to keep allowing that behavior in your life. Loving those people, may look more like: wanting the best for them, praying for them and working on forgiveness versus giving them free reign to wreak havoc in our lives.
God takes love pretty serious. He sent Jesus to die for us BECAUSE HE LOVES US!!
“For this is how God loved the world. He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” ~ John 3:16
Love begins and ends with God. He provided a way for us to be with Him for all of eternity…He loves us so much He wants to spend it with us. How can we not share that?!
“If God had a fridge, your picture would be on it!” ~ Chris Hodges
If you are not feeling the love from God or feel far away from Him, take some time to fall in love again. He is right there waiting for you.
Let’s step out and spread some love as we go about our day and live our lives. A good place to start is in our homes, and it may be the hardest.
I hope you know how much you are truly and fiercely loved by YOUR Heavenly Father!
Have an amazing day!
All My Love ~
Jodi xo
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As you take a minute to listen to this song, maybe there is something in your life you need the power of Jesus to break, heal or restore. Let’s walk in all the wholeness and freedom we have in Jesus and spread His name and love like glitter! xo