August 14, 2009
Getting to Know You
Most of us feel a certain amount of responsibility toward our children, our best friend or even our Sunday School class, if we’re the teacher. Generally speaking however, we don’t feel the same obligation towards those who fall in the category of an acquaintance. As Paul was sailing to Rome a wind of hurricane force came up and an angel of God said to him, “Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.” It’s entirely possible that Paul didn’t even know the names of some of those on board. Here’s a scary thought…maybe the Lord has given you the lives of all your co-workers or your friends. What are you going to do with the lives God has graciously given you? (Acts 27:24 NIV)
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1 comment:
Gail;
-----I believe one of the most misconceived points about love is that it necessarily involves emotional attachment. It is undeniable that emotional attachment becomes involved in love, but it is neither the basis for love nor necessary for it. Love is a principle which produces certain attitudes and actions towards others. The principle is simple: it seeks what is good. Even if actual contact with others is minimal or non-existent, attitudes are still built or maintained. Then these attitudes produce action in whatever points of contact that happen. The more there is contact and action, then the more there is emotion. And even then, that emotion is not always the great touchy-feely, softy-fluffy stuff we normally equate with love. For in that we are to love everyone, and in that not everyone is necessarily charming, the emotions of being around some are not going to be easy. But the principle of seeking their good remains, so we are committed to good attitudes towards them in the least, and proper actions in the fuller. Paul did not have to be acquainted with everyone on board the ship; he loved them all because he was called by the God of Love to take interest in their good, too. So he did not saunter about the ship making a big, pompous, mushy scene of his love. He simply gained control of the plans for the ship’s problem, and navigated everyone out of trouble. If there is any natural or automatic emotion in love, it is a strong feeling of that sense of obligation to the good of anyone who crosses your mind or your path.
Love you all,
Steve Corey
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