Never too young

“Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other” (>Romans 12:9-10 NLT, second edition).

Due to a back condition I have been unable to attend church for some weeks and that makes life feel right out of kilter! Sabbath is the marker that defines the week – puts everything into perspective and provides nourishment to take me through another week ahead. I miss the message, Word, the Speaker brings, and I miss socialising over a potluck. In other words, I miss the love that Sabbath brings.

Love is the only thing that can change the unchangeable. If we want lasting change in our lives, we must fill our lives with love. Love invigorates. Love revitalizes. Love renews. Love refreshes. Love is the most powerful force in the universe, because God is love. It doesn’t say he has love; it says he is love. Love heals what cannot otherwise be healed. Love uplifts. Love strengthens. Love energizes. Genuine love empowers as we “Take delight in honouring each other.”.

“Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other” (Romans 12:9-10 NLT, second edition).

There are many ways this love can be expressed. One way is by teaching our children from an early age to care for others – learning the impoand the joy it brings. It's never too young to start.

Last weekend I was visited at home by a delightful young lady, all of five years old, with her father. She was in early 'training' for future community work by begining in a safe environment to show love and care for others. She had a busy afternoon – three visits in all, two in family homes, and one to a Care Home. Was she daunted? No way! Her face glowed with joy and happiness as she chattered and entertained – all the better where she was concerned because she was doing all of this alone with her daddy. That kind of love is unchangeable. Yes, it renews, and heals.

Here’s the amazing thing: God, our 'Daddy' has wired the universe so that when we help other people, God takes care of our problems. God is looking down on us not to say, “Are you helping yourself?” but “Are you helping others?” Do you want help with your goals? Start helping other people with their goals. Give yourself away.

There is healing in giving back. Not just so other people can help you, but so you can help them. So you can pray for those people, and then God can help you. Give yourself away in love, and then watch God work in your life.

(Acknowledgements Rick Warren)

Today's music is Kenny and Dolly -“Love Lifted Me.” Clichttps://www.youtube.com/watch? on the picture to listen.