Romans 5:8 (NKJV)
8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
He loves You! That’s right! Even before you knew how to love, He loved you. In fact, it was Him who taught you how to love. So, what is love? Love is defined by Thomas Oord as “acting intentionally, in sympathetic response to others, including God, to promote well being.” God certainly does that. He always does things to promote well being.
How do you love? Do you always look out for the good of others? In the case of Foster Children, the courts and the system are supposed to do what is in the best interest of the child. I am not always sure that is their objective. There are times, when children are returned to parents who do not always put the child’s best interest first. It seems to be more about their pride (parents and system) than the welfare of the child. Pride gets in the way of too many things. Have you found instances where pride has clouded your judgment? Have you been overly concerned with what people would think?
The best tack to take is considering what God would think. The One who loves you and wants the best for each of His children should be the One setting the standards we follow. Do you follow God’s standards? Do you know what His standards are? Do you love as He loved? That is a tall order. When our Pastor says “love as Jesus loved”, I think I am not capable of that love. In my own power, I am not. But I am not in my own power if I let the Holy Spirit lead. The Spirit will show me and you how to love and give us the strength to accomplish that love. Will you ask for the Spirit to guide you? Will you love as Jesus loves? Ask for help and give it a try. His ear is tuned to the sound of your voice. He will answer. He, who loves you, will come through.
Lord, teach us how to love as You love. We know it is not easy but we know You will help us if we ask. So Lord, we are asking for Your help to love our neighbors as ourselves. And Lord, please help us do a better job of loving ourselves too. We tend to fall short there. In your name we pray. Amen!