Today is the day before Thanksgiving. This holiday signifies two things--first, for many, a time of gathering with family to eat, share and remember loved ones and good times; and second, the kickoff to the holiday season of Christmas.
It's an exciting time of year for many; but a sad time of year for others. Some will enjoy the the shopping on the day after Thanksgiving while others will reminisce over their lives and those who have gone on before. Many will enhance their moods with Christmas music and decorations.
The holiday season between Thanksgiving and Christmas is often associated with love. Despite how busy people are, which sometimes leads to selfishness, people still generally think fondly about this time of a year as a time of "peace and goodwill" towards all.
As you think about your participation in this season, think about practicing and sharing love with others. In 1 Corinthians 13, the apostle Paul highlights a definition of love that focuses on patience, kindness, humility and looking out for the interests of others above your own (13:4-7). In short, the definition of love that Paul advocates is to be like Christ. When we act Christlike towards others, we are acting in love.
This becomes even more glaring when we understand that in 1 Corinthians, Paul was writing to a group of Christians who were very selfish, focused on their own needs, and struggling to experience love among themselves (see chapters 12 and 14). His solution for them is not to learn some new piece of information, but to begin loving others better.
In this season, let love loose. Take time to be thankful for what you have and to be thankful for those in your life. Reflect on the love of Jesus shown to you so gracefully by God. Live in love, and let the love of Jesus be seen in you.
It's an exciting time of year for many; but a sad time of year for others. Some will enjoy the the shopping on the day after Thanksgiving while others will reminisce over their lives and those who have gone on before. Many will enhance their moods with Christmas music and decorations.
The holiday season between Thanksgiving and Christmas is often associated with love. Despite how busy people are, which sometimes leads to selfishness, people still generally think fondly about this time of a year as a time of "peace and goodwill" towards all.
As you think about your participation in this season, think about practicing and sharing love with others. In 1 Corinthians 13, the apostle Paul highlights a definition of love that focuses on patience, kindness, humility and looking out for the interests of others above your own (13:4-7). In short, the definition of love that Paul advocates is to be like Christ. When we act Christlike towards others, we are acting in love.
This becomes even more glaring when we understand that in 1 Corinthians, Paul was writing to a group of Christians who were very selfish, focused on their own needs, and struggling to experience love among themselves (see chapters 12 and 14). His solution for them is not to learn some new piece of information, but to begin loving others better.
In this season, let love loose. Take time to be thankful for what you have and to be thankful for those in your life. Reflect on the love of Jesus shown to you so gracefully by God. Live in love, and let the love of Jesus be seen in you.
