No Husband Left Behind
HIM & HER — Together (on the Same Page)
[Challenge]
Loving Like Jesus
Have you ever wanted to just be “like” Jesus? Maybe intimately close to Father God. Perhaps always having your priorities in check. Even possibly caring for the needs of everyone. Do you even wish you could carry the weight of the world on your shoulders? How about just loving everyone around you, simply because you genuinely care?
[Home]
This love flowing from inside of you should be demonstrated first and perhaps foremost at home. Your loving spouse will be so happy to hear that you are no longer going to live merely to aggravate. Now, you are planning to live every moment in such a way that you will be considered an “absolute joy” to be around, maybe even a “blessing from above”.
To begin, you will want to “roll up your sleeves” (so to speak), and look for opportunities to be more helpful. Our Lord Jesus was always doing something good for someone else. This is incredibly important for you to demonstrate within “your own home” and “with your own family”. Starting today, look for at least “one” thing you can do each and every day, to demonstrate your inner love through “helpful actions”.
Before we get too far along, remember there will likely be some disappointments. Perhaps you will even say or do something which may be misunderstood. How will you react if the love of your life does not say “thank you” and maybe never even notices your ultra-helpfulness. Remember how “forgiveness” originates from God above, and we should learn to release any frustrations or disappointments quickly.
[Church]
As we consider our loving connections within the “family of God”, let us begin to evaluate our love flowing from our prayers to God. Remember, even Jesus took time to pause to have those quiet moments with our Heavenly Father. Praying for our family and friends is critical. Even neighbors and colleagues are somewhat dependent upon our relationship with God, and His people.
Inside the House of God, the Bible is read, and teaching is offered for those joining the service. The desired end result is to develop God’s children. In this case, to become more loving followers of our Lord Jesus. Living to love and serve within the area of your true calling (where you feel equipped) to offer yourself and help others.
Periodically, we may have to stop someone from making a tragic mistake. Christians are expected to intervene whenever possible. You should feel the need to step in and help someone you care about, before it becomes too late. Never just allow those within your circle-of-influence to simply stray from the right path. Of course, always offer correction lovingly and respectfully.
[World]
In addition to home and church life, remember to offer your genuine help throughout the community. This will include each place where you are currently connected, including your workplace. At times, you may feel the need to be a “different person” at work. Please continue to be your most “genuine self”, and take our Loving Savior everywhere you go.
Jesus is truly the best example we have to follow. Whenever there was a need discovered, His compassion would flow with some sort of solution. Remember what Jesus was found doing on so many Sabbaths? Healing the sick, even when the “doctors” were expected to be taking the day “off”.
One final thought should include the responsibility that every Christian has to become “like God” as the Holy Spirit works within. Of course, that should require our involvement, at least the part of expressing kindness and generosity to those in need. Remember, the Good Shepherd was willing to even leave the ninety-nine sheep to go after the one which was lost. May we also be willing to go after the “one-percent” needing to see God’s Love flowing through His people, namely you.
From one who forever remains…
“Under the Shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1),
Shawn Episcopo
Christian Community for Married Men and Women — (Knights) & (Damsels)