Friday, July 10, 2009

A Spirit of Love

Posted by Tracy Wainwright at 10:49 AM
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7

Love. Love is so necessary in life, but most definitely as a mom. Love of a mom is supposed to come naturally. Who couldn’t love a sweet, innocent baby. But feeling love and acting in love consistently to a highly demanding baby (or toddler, or child,or teen) are two different things. And acting in love is not always easy and does not always come naturally.

Some people were never taught loving actions from those who were supposed to love them. Some people are too selfish to give up their wants and desires to fulfill those of another. Some people become trapped in depression and a cycle of negativity and don’t have the mental or physical energy to love. None of us have it within ourselves to consistently act in a loving manner to everyone we come in contact with. Love as a human feeling comes and goes. It is not reliable. God’s love, however, is perfect, and if we fully embrace His spirit of love we can better love others.

This is especially true as a mom. Being a mom is the most demanding job any of us could ever have. It takes everything we have in ourselves and often more. Even though I've never stopped loving my children for a minute, there have been plenty of times I haven't felt like putting the effort into a loving action. Sometimes I'm too tired at night to read, tuck in, and do prayers. Sometimes I really want to get an article or chapter finished and don't want to stop to look at the newest drawn picture. I think as moms we've all had moments of wanting to stay in ourselves and not do whatever the latest "urgent" task is.

In myself, I would more often than not take the selfish and easy route. But with the power and love that comes from Christ, I can rely on His Spirit to making loving choices. I don't always make that choice, but knowing that He's given me His spirit of love is an essential part of making more consistent, loving choices.

1 comments on "A Spirit of Love"

Anonymous said...

What a beautifully, thoughtful post. To love or to respond in love is a choice. Some days it is hard to make that choice, but because of the fire and power of our God, I can!

Friday, July 10, 2009

A Spirit of Love

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7

Love. Love is so necessary in life, but most definitely as a mom. Love of a mom is supposed to come naturally. Who couldn’t love a sweet, innocent baby. But feeling love and acting in love consistently to a highly demanding baby (or toddler, or child,or teen) are two different things. And acting in love is not always easy and does not always come naturally.

Some people were never taught loving actions from those who were supposed to love them. Some people are too selfish to give up their wants and desires to fulfill those of another. Some people become trapped in depression and a cycle of negativity and don’t have the mental or physical energy to love. None of us have it within ourselves to consistently act in a loving manner to everyone we come in contact with. Love as a human feeling comes and goes. It is not reliable. God’s love, however, is perfect, and if we fully embrace His spirit of love we can better love others.

This is especially true as a mom. Being a mom is the most demanding job any of us could ever have. It takes everything we have in ourselves and often more. Even though I've never stopped loving my children for a minute, there have been plenty of times I haven't felt like putting the effort into a loving action. Sometimes I'm too tired at night to read, tuck in, and do prayers. Sometimes I really want to get an article or chapter finished and don't want to stop to look at the newest drawn picture. I think as moms we've all had moments of wanting to stay in ourselves and not do whatever the latest "urgent" task is.

In myself, I would more often than not take the selfish and easy route. But with the power and love that comes from Christ, I can rely on His Spirit to making loving choices. I don't always make that choice, but knowing that He's given me His spirit of love is an essential part of making more consistent, loving choices.

1 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a beautifully, thoughtful post. To love or to respond in love is a choice. Some days it is hard to make that choice, but because of the fire and power of our God, I can!

 

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