"Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails."
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a
I have a heart for missions. Whether it be flying half way around the globe, or traveling within the same state, I am always amazed at what God can do in and through me in the time spent away from the "norm". Needless to say I was excited and looking forward to seven days overflowing with adventure in God's wilderness, quiet times with Him, and being used to make an impact in the lives of those I would encounter. To put the cherry on the top I was eager to have a close friend of mine join me on this endeavor. Little did I know the week wouldn't go quite as I had planned.
Have you ever been around someone who constantly makes you feel like you have nothing to offer? Anything you do or say is overlooked as they tend to step on you as they boast about their abilities, their accomplishments, and their knowledge? All the while you are left with a heavy heart and bruises from the punches.
"While knowledge makes us feel important, it is love that strengthens the church" 1 Corinthians 8:1b (NLT). Knowledge, in itself, is not a bad thing to desire, but like Proverbs 31:26 says, "When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instruction with kindness" (NLT), it's HOW it is given that matters...the heart behind it.
Not unlike the Biblical days of the Pharisees and Sadducees, we are still faced with those that have an inflated estimation of themselves, feeling as though they hold a greater understanding and are above the individuals around them. But love doesn't do that. LOVE accepts people where they're at, it does not exhort itself as one who has far superior knowledge, and it also guards us from having an exaggerated view of our own significance.
If our hearts are so consumed with ourselves, our own happiness, and our well being and we're willing to beat people over the head with our knowledge, then we will have no room for the needs of others. In return we will lose love. It's only by applying God's power of meekness and humility that can we find the antidote to arrogance (or pride).
Love,
Ashley
Not unlike the Biblical days of the Pharisees and Sadducees, we are still faced with those that have an inflated estimation of themselves, feeling as though they hold a greater understanding and are above the individuals around them. But love doesn't do that. LOVE accepts people where they're at, it does not exhort itself as one who has far superior knowledge, and it also guards us from having an exaggerated view of our own significance.
If our hearts are so consumed with ourselves, our own happiness, and our well being and we're willing to beat people over the head with our knowledge, then we will have no room for the needs of others. In return we will lose love. It's only by applying God's power of meekness and humility that can we find the antidote to arrogance (or pride).
Love,
Ashley
