I would like
to take a couple of sentences to say, “Thank You”! April 7th noted the 13th
year I have been writing my Simple Faith for Today weekly blog. Started as a personal release for my own
thoughts on the impact of Jesus on our lives, through your continued support,
you have inspired me to write on topics that have uplifted all of us! I appreciate your wonderful comments and look
forward to the years ahead, with God’s grace.
As a
suggestion from my friend Mary, the next few weeks will focus on the Fruits of
the Spirit. We will highlight each of
the wonderful fruits that the Holy Spirit has placed in our lives. What better way than to start with LOVE! The fruit of love can span numerous aspects
of our lives. The word love tends to
bring reflection of those close to us, our spouses, significant others,
immediate family members, etc. We are
supposed to love them, they are family!
Yet, what does that love look like?
How are we supposed to share this love with family? It looks different for each person, each
family. Exploring what this looks like
for you is the goal. How do you express
your love to your family members? Are
there areas where you can improve what love looks like for those closest to
you?
There is
also love expressed to ourselves. I hear
so often, “You need to love yourself before you can love others.” I have always had a hard time with that
statement – it seems very self-centered.
But I can understand that if we are not able to accept ourselves for who
we are, the good and the ugly parts of ourselves, it will be hard to accept
that in others, to love that in others.
We are all imperfect. Celebrating
those imperfections is part of the love experience. Looking inward to who we are and understanding
our imperfections and our sinful nature gives us the capacity to be less
judgmental and more empathetic with those around us.
Speaking of
those around us, loving our neighbors is a charge that comes directly from
Jesus. “Love God with all your heart,
soul, and mind. Love your neighbor as
yourself.” (Matthew 22: 37-39) Ah, the words of Jesus piercing our hearts
and souls. This should be easy enough,
right? Yet, I challenge you to think of
times when you may be frustrated and angry with those you meet. Is the fruit of love emanating from you? Are you reflecting God’s love for you to
others? I can very definitively state
that there have been times when I have not behaved and showered those around me
with love. Reflecting upon the fruit of
love provides us an opportunity to determine where we struggle most with
love. Is it loving all aspects of
yourself? Is it loving your family
members, those you may take for granted?
Is it loving your neighbor, the strangers you may meet?
This is an
opportunity for all of us to answer the following question: Where can I improve sharing my love to others
as Jesus shared His love for me? Take
the moment to reflect and make a commitment to move forward in love – the love
that Jesus wants us to share through the Holy Spirit that He so richly gave to
us. You can do it! Just have simple faith!
Video that
complements this post: Fruit of Love
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