Her husband entrusts his heart to her, and with her he will have all he needs. She brings him good and not trouble all the days of her life. Proverbs 31:11-12
Can Jesus entrust you with His heart?
Are you trustworthy?
Is your life one of excellence?
Are your actions motivated by love?
Do you unconditionally obey Papa’s precepts and commands?
Even if you answered yes to all these questions, there is always room for improvement.
Right?
Here are a few suggestions.
Be intentional. Live as if there are no do overs.
Be selective. Never make a promise you are not willing to fulfill.
Be transparent and authentic. Your words and actions should compliment, not contradict one another.
Be fugal with your words. Say what you mean and think before you speak.
Be a guardian of your time. Relationships require time and patience.
Yes, becoming a person of integrity— trustworthiness is not easy.
Selfishness and pride are formidable and unrelenting enemies. Thankfully, you have at your defense Scripture.
Something I cling to when I grow weary and need inspiration. Allowing Papa’s love and wisdom to anchor itself deep into my soul and spirit.
“Let Me (Jesus) tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.
Here’s another way to put it. You’re here to be light. Bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill.
If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket? Do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand— shine!
Keep open house. Be generous with your lives by opening up to others. You’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:13-16
(Jesus) “Listen carefully. Unless a grain of wheat is buried in the ground, dead to the world, it is never any more than a grain of wheat. But if it is buried, it sprouts and reproduces itself many times over.
In the same way, anyone who holds on to life just as it is destroys that life. But if you let it go, reckless in your love, you’ll have it forever, real and eternal.
If any of you wants to serve Me, then follow Me. Then you’ll be where I am, ready to serve at a moment’s notice. The Father will honor and reward anyone who serves Me.” John 12:24-26
Treat others the same way you want them to treat you. Luke 6:31
Love your neighbor as yourself. Matthew 22:39
(Writer of Hebrews) Let your character— your moral essence— your inner nature be free from the love of money. Shun greed. Be financially ethical. Being content with what you have.
For He has said, “I will never under any circumstances desert you.
Nor give you up.
Nor leave you without support.
Nor will I in any degree leave you helpless.
Nor will I forsake or let you down or relax My hold on you.
Assuredly not!”
So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently say, “The Lord is my Helper in time of need. I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?” Hebrews 13:5-6
How powerful is Papa’s love for His children?
The constant, unfailing love of God is what truly lasts. Psalm 52:1
It is because of the Lord’s mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed. His tender compassions fail not. Lamentations 3:22
Your loyal love is so great that You are always ready to relent from inflicting misery. Jonah 4:2
He does not hold onto His anger forever because He delights in showing love and kindness. Micah 7:18
With His love He will calm all your fears. Zephaniah 3:17
My beloved friends, let us continue to love each other since love comes from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and experiences a relationship with God. The person who refuses to love doesn’t know the first thing about God. God is love. So you can’t know Him if you don’t love.
This is how God showed His love for us. God sent His only Son into the world so we might live through Him. This is the kind of love we are talking about. Not that we once upon a time loved God. But that He loved us and sent His Son as a sacrifice to clear away our sins, and the damage they’ve done to our relationship with God. 1 John 4 7-10
Papa’s love is powerful because it is who He is.
PAPA IS LOVE!
Try this experiment. Substitute Papa for love.
Love (Papa) is patient. Love (Papa) is kind. Love (Papa) isn’t envious— doesn’t boast, brag or strut about. There’s no arrogance in love (Papa). Love’s (Papa’s) never rude, crude or indecent. Love’s (Papa’s) not self-absorbed. Love (Papa) isn’t easily upset. Love (Papa) doesn’t tally wrongs or celebrate injustice.1 Corinthians 13:4-6
Yes, Papa’s love is a treasure of immeasurable worth. A treasure He shares with others. Only asking that they share it too.
Unconditionally loving others is…
Waiting without criticizing, complaining, murmuring or nagging.
Forgiving when others fail or disappoint you.
Accepting others for who they are without demanding or expecting change.
Remaining calm— not easily angered.
Empathizing with the person or situation.
Actively listening. Hearing what they have to say and thoughtfully considering their thoughts and beliefs.
Unconditionally loving someone announces to the world. “This individual is important to me. I treasure the longevity and health of this relationship.”
Admittedly, unconditional love is rare. Especially in today’s world where what’s in it for me is the life mantra of so many.
But those who embrace unconditional love soon discover. Love given unconditionally is usually returned unconditionally. It is the gift that keeps on giving.
GO DEEPER
What are 5 ways you show others unconditional love?
What can you change today that will help you love others unconditionally?
(Excerpt fromThe Gold Standard)
letsloveothers 