Tag: love others

Love One Another

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, 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 Cor. 13: 4-7)

In February, our thoughts turn to candy, roses, and of course, love. Years ago, I opposed Valentine’s Day. I held the cynical view that its sole purpose was to bolster retail stores’ sales during the slower months of winter and to make those who aren’t coupled up feel bad about themselves. I felt this way even though I was married at the time.

Now that I’m older, I have a different view of Valentine’s Day. Oh sure, it’s still a commercial holiday and makes people feel bad about their relationship status, but now I see the bigger picture of how a holiday about love ties into my faith. Continue reading “Love One Another” →

Love Is Action

Posted on by Staci Mauney

 

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love…” (Eph 4:2)

Each year as Valentine’s Day approaches, thoughts turn to expressions of love. What does love mean to you? It means something different to me now that I’m – ahem – 40 than it did when I was 20. I’m in a different season of life and have had experiences that have reinforced some of my beliefs and caused me to question others. Continue reading “Love Is Action” →

Freedom

Posted on by Staci Mauney

This post was originally published on July 4, 2011.

“They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity—for ‘people are slaves to whatever has mastered them.’” (2 Peter 2:19)

Freedom is a term that’s tossed around a lot this time of year as we celebrate Independence Day in the United States. But what does true freedom mean? Does it mean that we’re free to do whatever we want, no matter the cost to others?

Society would have us believe that’s true, but true freedom means stripping ourselves of our pride and selfishness. When we believe in Christ, our sins are forgiven, but that doesn’t mean that we’re allowed to do anything we want.

There is a great responsibility that comes along with this freedom. As believers, we’re required to live our lives in such a way that those around us can see Christ’s love through us. However, when we focus on ourselves, we put our own selfish desires first, thinking that we’ll simply ask for forgiveness later.

When we realize that true freedom doesn’t give us the right to demand anything from God, we can turn to God and ask him for forgiveness. When our focus is turned inward, we can’t help those around us because we’re blinded to their needs. But when we begin to understand that being free means we must change our focus, we will begin to put the needs of others first. We will serve God where he wants us, and we’ll show his love to those around us.

Dear Jesus, thank you for the true freedom that’s found only in you. Help me to change my focus from me-centered to others-centered so that those around me can see your presence in my life. Amen.