Another Valentine’s Day has come and gone. And if you hurry you can get a giant stuffed animal for 50% off. I have to admit I saw a stuffed rhinoceros that was really cute! You may even find a heart-shaped box of chocolates that since it’s on sale you can keep for yourself. We all need a little self-love, don’t we? Hmmm. It reminds me of a cringe-phrase I keep hearing in ads and social media: “you do you”. Like we need permission to be narcissistic. I mean, come on, in a world of selfies, phones that get to know us, personalized everything from music to clothing to food, “you do you” is the norm! The problem is...doing me, is the problem. It has been all the way back in Genesis. So what is love? Well, we get a beginner’s definition in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love is me turned outwards. Love is not feelings, but active engagement with others. “you do others”. Read again each of the Love is… in 1 Cor., see which way it points: always outward, never inward. If we practice that call to love 100%, then the love Jesus placed in us will never be discounted.
- PK
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