You Can’t Opt-Out

Today is set aside as the one day we outwardly and demonstratively express our love for each other.  To be honest, I’ve never really liked this day.

Are we so love-challenged that we need a worldly prompt to act?

I mean… while I’m not perfect, I pretty much share my feelings of love and affection 24/7/365.  I bet you do, too.

But the truth is that there are those who do need a prompting because showing love doesn’t come easily.  Why? Because there’s a lot of pain and brokenness surrounding it.

• Some of us grew up in homes where love and acceptance were based on performance.
• Others had parents who never uttered the words “I love you.“
• Many have husbands who said they’ve love us forever, but broke that trusted vow.
• Some have been forsaken by their own parents.
• Others have children who have chosen to walk away from the family.

Yes… love can be tricky.  Painful.  A sad reminder.  Scary.  Untrustworthy.  Flawed.

Sometimes our hearts are so injured that we close them off from love.  We don’t want to get it.  We don’t want to give it.  It’s just safer to stay in our own bubbles.

We love shallowly because it’s safer.  But you know what?  It’s also selfish.

Chew on this for a minute.

“Everyone will know that you are my disciples because of your love for each other.”  (John 13:35)

Love is always the key.  It is vital and valuable.  It’s necessary and needed.   It sets us apart and points others to Him.

When we love others, we reflect God.

No excuses.  You don’t get a “pass” because of your old wounds.  You can’t “opt-out” because it stretches you too much.  You’re not “off the hook” because it’s too hard.  

You see, when we love others, they will see God because of it.  That’s powerful and life-giving any way you slice it.

Now hear this.  Loving others doesn’t mean being a doormat that continues to allow people to walk all over them.  That isn’t God’s will for you.  Without a doubt, healthy boundaries need to be in place.

Loving others does mean that you:

• Accept people for who they are
• Refuse to discriminate or judge
• Listen to the cares and concerns of others
• Help those in need
• Give your time and resources
• Serve the less fortunate

Sounds a lot like Jesus.

Listen.  As Christ-followers, we don’t have the luxury of following our flesh.  Instead, we have a responsibility to do what is right according to God’s will.

And we can do what God is asking of us because when the Holy Spirit takes up residency in our hearts, we are renewed and restored.  (read Psalm 109:21,22 and Isaiah 61:1-4)

We are a new creation.  Our broken hearts are mended.

And when our broken understanding of love is replaced by the Truth, others see Him because of the way we love them.

Sisters, let’s not deplete our love-bank on this one day.  Let’s instead ask God to show us opportunities where we can reflect Him to others every day of the year.

LoveFest 2011 begins…. now!

©2011 careyscotttalks.com

Connect with me!  Follow me on twitter or my facebook Fan Page