LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS

Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love.

Ephesians 4:2

The first commandment for us is to love...love with no condition, with no penalty, with no need for recompense. Love should be shown in every relationship, friendship and encounters with others; through gentleness, humbleness and patience. Ever had to wait in line maybe at the DMV? It feels like forever, but a quick trick I learned was to carry a book (to read) and a journal (to write notes) it keeps you busy during a time when you can be frustrated. Or how about while waiting during your single season, I could tell a story a few miles long in this area but I apply the same strategies - keep occupied. When I started serving in church and now through ministry I never imagined what my wait would look like or what it would feel like. This strategy can be viewed for business owners, building a brand and depending on that business for finacial increase. During the time of wait is a time of development, of maturity and growth. If you've kept busy during that period the end will look so different. Back to the DMV if you were waiting bored, frustrated and looking at the clock at the end of your wait your reaction to the Customer Service Rep could be rude, ill-mannered and insolent. Imagine the CSR (customer service representative) after a day of angry customers, but if you show love with a smile or a compliment can make a big difference in that person's day instead of being rude. The rule applies across all facets of our lives (this command I give for you to love).

Honestly, there are some days when serving seems as if I am gliding on clouds and there's no way anyone can even catch up with me, then there are days when I ask God how long and ask for more grace. Grace is the fuel God gives us in the kingdom to get things done. It is the grace of God that keeps me from being frustated even when family and friends insist that I go in one direction when I've clearly heard the Holy Spirit say the opposite. Love is an important tool in these situations not to use disparaging remarks. Sometimes it may seem like from everywhere you are dealing with hard to deal with people or situations that should lead you to be frustrated. It's possible it is just a test. For example a customer asks for a service they were given the price, then after having said service demands to pay a different price or a family member that constantly disrupts your sleep to play loud music; it is worthy of frustration but how to respond in love? How do we deal with daily encounters with our loved one's, strangers and co-workers that would be of love and a reflection of God? It all circles back to the book of Galatians and Ephesians in the description of love. Think of how you would like to be treated if you were on the other end is another realistic way to work through tough situations.

There was such a profound word I got a few weeks ago that I have been applying to my life, which is to identify the the people that love you or better yet pours into you. Once you have identified those people keep them on speed-dial, repeat, weekly or monthly calls to boost your love tank. For sure it took knowing what love is, learning to receive love and being free to give love. Learning how to love is a journey within itself. Let's take a few steps deeper there are some people you may love but does not respond to your love the way you would like or even show it and if you depend on those people for love it can make you feel drained and unhappy. This is when you call your love support. I can speak for myself when I say I love to help people and 'doing' is the way I show my love (I guess I also expect to receieve love the same way) and if someone want me to be affectionate it may feel as if I am hurtful, or frustrating; as if I do not love them. Let me mention that I am talking about right relationships; parental, friendships, siblings even marriage. Additionally, there may be some relationships that may need to end, to step back and others that need balance. Because we all love differently and we have all had different experiences we have to decern all the relevant facts, to forster right relationships.

#loving #relationships #marriage #friendships