Love does

I am working on coming up with a new philosophy on life. Now if you get to know me, you would know I have lots of philosophies of life. Many are fleeting thoughts that last only a few days because by that time I have disproved them and moved on with my life. Or on the rare occasion, I will come to a conclusion I believe after a few weeks of thinking about it, then I will stick with it for a few months until I rethink about it, then change my mind. Good thing I have the Bible to guide my mind! I mean miniature philosophies of life. Overall, I suppose my philosophy is to follow Jesus.

I have been having really sweet spiritual days the last few days. I have no explanation for why. Really, I should be falling apart. Instead I am just experiencing the peace of God. That ultimate sweetness that I feel like it has been so long since I have felt. I like to experience liquid love sometimes. It gives me courage. Liquid love will get me through all kinds of tough times.

Love does. I am so glad love does. It is a two-word phrase that has changed my life.

Two years ago, my heart did not love people with feelings even. But I was desperate for change in my life, so I stepped into service with a stubborn determination, desperate to never walk in willful sin and misery again. I prayed for God to change my heart, so I would love people. He did. It wasn’t because I had any fun along the way. It was because He gave me the courage to serve when it wasn’t fun and I was desperate to change. So many good things came out of my desperation when I used it in the right way.

So love might does. But does’ing might just grow some love within me.

Paul defending himself to the Corinthians against false apostles:

Are they servants of Christ? I know I sound like a madman, but I have served him far more! I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not. I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm. 2 Corinthians 11:23-27

What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not make full use of my rights as a preacher of the gospel. I Corinthians 9:18

Love does.