January 17 LOVE is the Answer… 1 Corinthians 13:4-7)
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina…“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)
Every time that I read this amazing scripture passage at a wedding, I am encouraged! The very first words of verse four; are words that are required, yet difficult for our human condition. Patience! So much of my Christian life, I have continued to pray for patience. I am praying for patience with others and patience with myself. “Ok Lord, when are You going to make me patient?” Amazingly and gratefully, I discovered that God does not give us patience; He gives us the opportunity to LEARN patience. So, my prayers changed to ask that He would place the lessons before me and that I would have the recognition and understanding to take advantage of every opportunity to be patient with my fellowmen! Many years ago, I was asked to help with a special needs child that was experiencing some behavioral issues. This was before Annette and before special programs that would assist parents with this particular struggle. Being friends with the parents and having direct interactions with the child, I slowly developed a relationship with this amazing little boy! He was exceptionally bright, yet, he was so frustrated that he couldn’t seem to go through one day without conflict and chaos. Now, keep in mind, I was not a trained professional, I was not a Specialist in child development, however, I was willing to help and to provide a “Break” for his Mom and Dad! I was already busy, in my own activities; yet, I felt a need to help, so I made time for my friends. It started out really difficult and extremely rough. Over time, this amazing little boy began to respond to me! His parents were so sensitive to his needs and they provided everything possible for his physical comforts. He had a special room that was “His Play Room,” and that is where we would “Play!” A casual observer would say that I was a “Babysitter,” yet, I was so much more. Time passed quickly, and as we approached Christmas of that year, my friend (Dad) stood at the door and observed Little Tommy and I interact with one another. Thomas told me, as I was preparing to leave, that I was so patient with him! I was grateful for the observation, yet, I told him that it really wasn’t patience, it was LOVE! A side note…Little Tommy is now a productive citizen and a retired Colonel from the USMC. I am grateful for my time with this young boy and I am grateful for the lessons learned for my own journey through this life. Thomas and Betty have gone on to Glory, and every time that I think of them, I am reminded of the opportunity that they afforded me to learn patience. Later on, as I have grown in Christ, I have realized that the “Patience” that Thomas commented on, was really LOVE! Folks, there are so many people who are walking around in anger and anguish and are seeking to find some fulfillment and satisfaction in their lives, yet, all that this world is offering is Evil, Hatred, Discord, Prejudice, and Anger! The scripture passage, for today, is the answer to the issues and the opportunities for this world. We must take on the Truth; that LOVE is the ANSWER to the Challenges of this life! I challenge you, right now, today, to claim the power of LOVE and to live your life, growing in Love and Learning to be Patient with others! Patient, even though you do not agree with their thoughts, ways and words! Reflect the LOVE OF GOD into their lives and allow the Holy Spirit to guide them into a relationship with Almighty God, through the Shed Blood of Jesus! LOVE IN ACTION!! THIS WORLD IS NOT MY HOME, I AM JUST PASSING THROUGH! Focus on what is real, focus on what is right, focus on what is edifying to Christ and keep on Loving and learning and leaning and living for and with Jesus! Regardless of the temporary leader of our country, regardless of the politics, regardless of the perceived insanity, I choose to live for Jesus, with the firm and clear understanding that LOVE CONQUERS ALL! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!