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If you're serious about becoming like
Jesus, pay careful attention to His
words: "Ask yourself what you want
people to do for you; then grab the
initiative and do it for them...give
without expecting a return. You'll never
- I promise - regret it" (Lk 6:31-35
TM). Love, expecting nothing in return.
Give, though they'll never say thanks.
Forgive, even though they won't forgive
you. Come early, stay late, invest
everything you've got even though nobody
notices. Paul calls this "the high
calling" (Php 3:14). And there's a
reason: none of us would set such a
standard for ourselves! If you think
some people are just naturally more
loving than others, think again. Love is
a choice - one that costs! You can't
love others while you're staring into a
mirror or give to others while you're
clinging to what you've got. Love will
cost you your time, your money and your
preoccupation with self. If you think
you'll just go to church some Sunday
morning, read a book or attend a 7-step
seminar and turn into the kind of person
we're talking about - good luck! There
are no pre-packaged saints; no
"add-and-stir" formula that makes God's
love gush forth. To be loving you've got
to take up your cross, deny yourself and
make others your priority.
Remember the woman caught in adultery?
Jesus stooped down to reach her, stood
by her under attack, then sent her home
redeemed and refocused. Do you want to
be like Him? Go and find people who are
hurting, hopeless, and even wrong. When
you do, minister to them until they're
redeemed, restored and right. That's
living unselfishly! |