Love is patient, love is kind, it does not envy, it does not brag, it is not puffed up… 1 Corinthians 13:4, TLV
Love is … Shabbat Shalom! This chapter is probably spoken at more Christian weddings than any other — and rightfully so. But I would argue it should be the anthem for all followers of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and His Son, our Redeemer, Jesus.
What if we did more than recite these words but sought to live them. Post them on the doorpost of our hearts and the gates of our behaviors? Because if we did, oh my, what the world would look like!
A few years, I spent a week with dear friends. One of them has a strong understanding of historical injustice — and how the roots of those injustices still remain. She believes that injustice and prejudice boils down to human corruption and hatred. This verse alone would have circumvented so much pain and sorrow had it been put into practice by those who sat in pews and claimed redemption.
How many fingers point back to us?
Before we point a finger at others, remember how
many fingers point back to us. Examine our own hearts for corruption and post these words of love in our hearts. Scrutinize our responses, especially those emotional ones that feel hateful, and post these words at our gates to keep all those sinful and negative thoughts from becoming hurtful words and deeds. If more of us watched our own tongues and actions, maybe others would, too.
It’s a thought. Maybe, it’s a beginning . . .
Think More About It
How many fingers point back to you? Is love posted in your heart?
Until tomorrow, may we live with love’s understanding.
Praying for Israel
Behold, the eyes of ADONAI [the LORD] are on those who fear Him,
waiting for His love,
to deliver their souls from death,
and to keep them alive in famine. Psalm 33:18-19, TLV
I keep thinking of those precious returnees and their precious desire to show love—to share love with others. As we pray today for the remaining hostages, may that love triumph over the hatred they have experienced. Shabbat shalom and God bless.
