Encircling!

An employee working in the men's section of a department store was approached by a woman asking for help in selecting a dress shirt for her husband. When asked what size, the woman at first looked confused and then her face brightened. She held up her hands to form a circle with her forefingers and thumbs stating, "I don't know his size, but my hands fit perfectly around his neck."

Are you picturing it? Perhaps the story would have been better if the wife had been purchasing a pair of pants and her arms knew the right circumference from the many hugs they shared rather than chocking her husband's neck. Though at times we might feel like ringing the necks of those who come into conflict with us -- whether that be within our families, within the church, or whatever sphere we might interact with others -- encircling with LOVE is the better action.

The LOVE God has called us to incorporate into our daily life is not merely a feeling, but a choice we make. It is selfless. It is also powerful. Wouldn't we say that about the LOVE God has displayed toward us?

Paul provided a wonderful picture of the true essence of LOVE where he wrote. . .

"(4) LOVE is patient and kind; LOVE does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant (5) or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; (6) it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. (7) LOVE bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (8) LOVE NEVER FAILS. . . ." ( 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a ESV)

Doesn't that sound more embracing than choking? Do we struggle in any of those areas? Does that genuinely mark the way we are toward others? Just as we do not deserve the manner in which GOD LOVES us, we are not to LOVE only those we think deserve our LOVE. Though LOVE does include instruction and guidance even through the pointing out of error, LOVING action is always the right thing on our part. It should "never fail" to be exercised in our life. It is to always be there.

LOVING actions often have a way of circling back to bless the one who first extended the LOVE. This is what God has been seeking through extending His to us. ( 1 John 4:19) May this godly essence become more and more evident in our life as we find that our actions toward others many help them become more loveable.

Have a great day KEEPING LOVE ACTIVELY PRESENT IN OUR DAILY LIFE!
Carl

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