FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021 LOVE WINS

 FRIDAY MARCH 12, 2021 LOVE WINS

This week I have written about being a “clone” (Monday) and then being “authentic”.  

So, let’s try to get a “LOVE WINS” perspective on being authentic.

Probably, this verse is the keystone text - (other versions say “Don’t be conformed”)

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.  Romans 12:2

And, now two more verses from that same Bible Chapter:

“Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Romans 12:9

I think I “pretended to love others”.  Love each other with GENUINE AFFECTION!!!  (Lord, forgive me, I think I’m trying - wait until next week!!!)

This text also kicks me:

Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! Romans 12:16

(Oops - “Don’t think you know it all”  At one time I did think I knew it ALL.  Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people.  

How about being selfish?  (Not a Godly trait either)

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.  Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.  Philippians 2:3-4

“THINK ON THESE THINGS:

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:8

Do I let my brain wander?  Do I think about things that aren’t honorable or true?  

And, one of my favorite Old Testament verses:

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. 1 John 3:18

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Okay - so, I’ve thrown out some scriptures (even the Devil threw out scriptures when he tempted Jesus in the wilderness).  

Can I put these things into play?

Can I be humble and be authentic?  Can I be altruistic (and not selfish)?  Can I really LOVE all people?

Tough call. I guess I’m still a work in progress.  

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But, we ALL are works in progress.  We need to exercise our discipline and dedication - to love, to be different.  

(Darn, sometimes I want to coast - I want to float downstream - but that is not my psyche.)

Okay, God, I’ll keep going, I’ll keep trying to love, to forgive, and not to conform to the world.

I believe - I HAVE TO believe - that LOVE WINS.  But, God is infinite - and I’m not.  

HUGS!!!

Karen