This Series is actually the second run at a list of ten (10) Ways to Love, with the original being called “Ten Ways To Love” designed a few years back. It seemed very important for me to revisit the principles and passages of Scripture again with a fresh look and a different perspective. The manner in which they are different has to do with recent events in my own life and the lives of folks whom I’ve been around for many years. A struggle has developed which necessitated another run at this set of Scripture with a few items added and the Scripture used to be expanded a tad – have to admit, it surprised me… The presentation of the Scripture has a different meaning at this stage and season than it did when the first one was completed.
How to Find the Ways
Amazing how God can use the EXACT same Scripture from the very Instruction Book He gave to us, to change us as individuals even years later – but it be the SAME Word. He hasn’t changed. His Word hasn’t changed. Indeed it is US who change – which is a GOOD thing. As some have said, “we can never have too much of a good thing” – well, maybe not some good things, but the Bible is NOT one of them.
This Series has four (4) verses from Proverbs and the remaining six (6) are from the New Testament. They deal with everyday things for the Christian and non-Christian alike. Those items include: promising, answering, listening, giving, trusting, sharing, enjoying, praying, forgiving and speaking. Oops, there was one in there that non-Christians may not do – that was “Praying” – it is the ONE thing that changes EVERYTHING!
Each of the other items will hinge on that eighth one, praying without ceasing. I know for me that when something gets tough, things get rough, people get a tad bit out of control, things are said that shouldn’t be and responses are thought of that shouldn’t be – it is the ONLY equalizer. That very challenge happened to me today over an issue that should have never occurred – it is NOT something that I was involved in or present to answer for, but it was squarely about me, as my name was used. Just looked at the computer screen to see ten (10) items in front of me, with number eight (8) in the most plain manner being brought into focus. Actually those final three go hand in hand with each other: pray, forgive and speak. What was said about me was incorrect, inflammatory in nature and done so in an attempt to discredit.
My response, after the Holy Spirit locked into speaking to me, was simply to ask God the Father for wisdom as to what should be said, if anything at all and to forgive me for flashing in my head what I “wanted to say” to those persons – which would have solved NOTHING. Take a look at number nine – it is the “there is no wisdom in the second kick of a mule” gotcha that should clamp down on our hearts, right before we go to do something we have only thought of in our minds before that point. Then, as if we needed any “more” assistance as humans in our own skin, the bell rings with number ten – speak WITHOUT accusing. Just HOW is a Christian going to do that when someone has told a heap of lies, continues to do so, paints you to be the devil… Well, that part is EASY, go back to number eight – PRAY without CEASING. These are indeed showing us WAYS TO LOVE.
Prescription: keep repeating actions one through ten, over and over, again and again… YOU and I will be the one’s who change – not the Word – it is PERFECT the way it is, God is already perfect.
This list of ten (10) Ways to Love is MUCH harder to practice than they are to just read.
The Ways
Promise without Forgetting
Answer without Arguing
Listen without Interrupting
Give without Sparing
Trust without Wavering
Share without Pretending
Enjoy without Complaint
Pray without Ceasing
Forgive without Punishing
Speak without Accusing
The Ways to Love others truly should be a precious, practiced and well protected daily practice in the life of a Christian. Is it difficult at times? Yes. Is it impossible? No. Is it worth it? YES IT IS! If we will just be honest with ourselves, to others and to God, the Master Creator, we will find that we are flawed, but it is possible, with the Master’s Hands to practice the Ways to Love every day of our lives. Even in those days of trial, turmoil and seemingly endless misunderstandings because of miscommunication – or the lack thereof completely – we have the Master’s Book, the Bible, to reference and ten (10) passages to rely upon to change us into what God the Father wants us each to be – in spite of those circumstances and difficulties. It may be hard at times, but it is worth it all.
Ways to Love | http://delivertheword.com/waystolove
Flickr | https://www.flickr.com/photos/98308216@N06/sets/72157646621869816
e-Courage Tutorial | http://delivertheword.com/how-to-use-e-courage
Email This Page | 
Print This Page
