All Earth is Hopeful - December 23

I Corinthians 13:4-6

The birth of Jesus is God’s supreme gift of love; God’s visible action to show us just how much he loves us. But what about my love? How do I love? What is love?

I have a lot of questions about love. Is it a feeling? I certainly feel a deep love for family, friends, pets. And what about the unconditional love promised by God? And if I am to love God with all my heart, soul and strength and my neighbor as myself-what’s that look like? Love must be a decision? I can choose to act in love regardless of feeling, right?

So I looked at the “love chapter”, 1 Corinthians 13 which gives a clear picture of what love looks like.

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

Several days ago, I was having a CT scan. I was the last one scheduled for the day. After the test, the technician and I got to talking and she shared some concerns relating to her health. I did nothing but listen, but when I left, she thanked me for listening. At the time, I thought, it was really a little thing, but hopefully, was a help for her. Maybe love is being available to those around us-to encourage and support. Maybe love is seeing each other as beloved children of God. Maybe it is feeling the pains as well as the joys of others. I just pray that I am always open to receive as well as give love. May I see God’s love reflected in every person I meet.