26: Love

Love, and the greatest example of love is this, one who lays down his life for a friend.

Maybe when you read this, you picture someone actually giving their physical self up, for their friend....

maybe it's a train coming and out of love you push them out of the way, and you're hit instead. ...

Maybe it's taking the blame for their crime and getting the death penalty instead. 

Something you  might be a little more familiar with is a story from your favorite Disney Princess.
Maybe it's that picture of Bell, giving her life as a ransom for her dad to be set free from the beast's prison...

but perhaps we can also look at it on a smaller scale, a much more difficult one.

You see, all 3 of those scenarios are 1 time decisions, that are made in the midst of the action and you jump to be the hero...

but what about the daily trails, of pride and selfishness, that are so much harder to submit too, when it comes to laying down yourself for a friend. 

And lets say it doesn't have to be a friend, it could be a brother or sister, a mom or dad, or your own husband.

As I've grown up, I've realized that so many times I have the choice to do what "I" want to do, or to do what "others" want to do... or , to do what's best for others.

I've had the choice to serve my own needs and desires, or to serve others.

It's harder to serve others, because I've got a selfish voice inside that wants to look out for me.  But I must be cautious, and realize the GODLY choice, is to serve.

Some people will warn you against this, but the only thing I'd warn you of, is to not feed "pearls to the swine."

Otherwise, if it is wise, Serve! 

Love others by putting their needs before your own. Listen to their stories, and hear what they have to say instead of talking all the time. 

Play the games THEY like to play, go places they want to go. Be humble, don't think you're better than them. Don't argue to have the last word.  Consider their feelings.

Don't be selfish, arrogant or boastful or rude.  Don't try to be better than everyone else, instead, just be your best, and encourage them to do the same. Look for opportunities to serve.  Bless others whenever you have the chance.  Rejoice with them, and mourn with them (don't avoid them in their mourning!)

Be there for a friend in their time of need.  (again, don't avoid them in this time, they need you.  If you don't know what to do, ask the Holy Spirit to help guide you to do the right thing, but please, don't avoid the situation, you're friendship will grow stronger working through hard life situations together.)

Remember the fruits of the spirit. Pray for them, encourage them. Be quick to forgive.

Love.