Dear Ones,
Happy weekend! What gorgeous weather we are having and the snow is all gone again! Today grandson Paul is coming for lunch and I plan to bake and do some studying too.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
If you are reading this devotional, the chances are you may also want to have more of the heart of Jesus to love others well. That takes not only prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit, but also emotional maturity. Sometimes things from our past can hinder us from honest relationships with others and may result in us not always treating them with respect and acceptance, especially if they are vastly different from us. It could also be we are disappointed in our parents who didn’t give us nurturance and love, and we are driven by the need for others to supply our emotional needs. That is something only the Lord can do.
Every person is unique and deserves that we treat them with respect and worth. They don’t necessarily see things the same way we do for they are uniquely created, but they are made in His image and of infinite value. We are to listen to each other’s views and desires, making room for differences without putting one another down. We can disagree on issues and still be good friends. Who knows, we may broaden our views as we discuss issues together.
All of us need to give our expectations to the Lord and not think that others will know what we want or need. Often we have unrealistic expectations that are unspoken and we think others should know what they are, even though we have not ever agreed upon them. All people need love, and we love well when we apply the scriptures to our life and speak the truth in love, when we are quick to hear and slow to speak, and when we get rid of envy, bitterness, etc. Just as His disciples’ lives were changed as they were with Jesus, our lives can change too as we spend time with Him.
Challenge for today: Receive others as if they were Jesus and let His love flow through you.
Blessings on your weekend and prayers and love, Judy