LOVE

The fruit of the Spirit is LOVE, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, (23) gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. {Gal 5:22-23}

As we bundle up in the crisp winter air and hear Christmas music just about everywhere we go, thoughts often travel back in time to childhood memories of this Holy season. Families and friends coming together to share of themselves with others. Sharing many incredible meals along the way. Not only do we expand our horizons, we expand our waistlines as well. Pecan pie anyone?

We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. {1Jn 4:16}

As we move closer to the day that we celebrate the birth of our King, our Savior, Jesus Christ, something quite supernatural fills the air. We can't smell it but we do discern it's presence. An old-time descriptor fits well here; Tis the season to be Merry! A time to be more patient, giving, kind, caring, unselfish. At least, that is the hope.

Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. {Rom 5:5}

We are encouraged daily to exercise and practice our ability and capability to LOVE.

We love, because He first loved us. {1Jn 4:19}

A certain someone gave His very life, made to suffer untold horrors of persecution and torture to stand in our place and receive the ultimate penalty that was due us. All of us! No exceptions. He shed His blood that would wash the sin from our very bodies, once and for all time.

For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; (15) and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf. {2Co 5:14-15}

In amongst our holiday travels hither and fro, we will necessarily meet others who, for a variety of reasons, cannot or will not share in the glee and merryment connected to the Christmas period. One fellow just lost his job. What a thing to ponder at any time but especially today. A young woman was diagnosed with a terrible illness. Test results won't be available until after the New Year. A family lost a Grandparent to Heaven's Holy City. Then there is a young couple who were a single family just months ago. Now, they are separate families, each side with children, each struggling to catch their collective breath as the reality of divorce sets in. The timing of all this rips at the heart.

Each of these events is representative of a death. Something that once was, is no longer. It is gone, or so it would seem. The emotions experienced, anger, loss, isolation, loneliness, hopelessness, are the exact elements of grief. We grieve, we mourn over our losses, and it matters not the cause of the loss, it is our nature and through this God given ability, we are allowed to work through this terrible weight and pressure and see the eventual return of blue skies peeking out from behind darkness and clouds. It is LOVE that will bring the light. LOVE will return the clear skies. LOVE'S renewal of hope. God is an unending source of this wonderful healing medicine. It is yours for the asking!

Now as to the love of the brethren, you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another.

{1Th 4:9}

During this special and Holy period, during your various travels, be sensitive to those around you. To the broken heart be discerning. To the hurting be a gentle hug. To the mournful be a quiet strong shoulder. Be a friend that heals with the words, I LOVE YOU.

"This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you." {Joh 15:12}

Be the one who reflects the Christ that resides in you. Let them read the Bible through your behavior, temperament, and Loving actions.

Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. {1Pe 4:8}

Be the tool in the Lord's hands in making a difference in another's life. Let others see the LIGHT in HIS LOVE through you this Holy Season, AMEN.

Walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. {Eph 5:2}

HAVE YOU READ YOUR BIBLE TODAY?