What made a beaten man smile?
What were the early churches built on?
“But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you. Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord.” – 1 Thessalonians 3:6-8
Paul was beaten, bruised and basically had very little reason to smile- except when he heard “good news about your faith and love.”
Why didn’t Paul ever say he was happy that everyone was obeying every single letter of the law?
Because Faith, Hope and Love are all that matters and out of the three Love is the key!
To be more like Christ means to be more Loving and caring for others. Standing firm means simple trust in the idea that He has it all in control and He is watching over you- Nothing can separate you from His Love.
This is the type of Love that Jesus, Paul and the early church was all about. Not love based on performance but Love based on Him in you!
Find a time when you can just relax and hopefully not be disturbed but if you are God knew you would be so Love like there is no tomorrow and Forgive like there was no yesterday! Start by taking several deep breaths and see if you can relax any tense spots that might become known to you. As you feel more relaxed and get back to regular breaths:
Breathe in and say:
“Forgive like”
Breathe out and say:
“no yesterday“
Breathe in and say:
“Love like“
Breathe out and say:
“no tomorrow“
Do this meditation often, especially when others or organizations cause you to forget what Being Christ-like is all about!
Don’t worry- Be Grace-Full!
