It is sometimes challenging to know how to love others. God created humans as natural creatures. Our careers, wealth, and success may be fulfilling in some ways, but these can’t take the place of deep satisfying relationships. Until Adam and Eve entered into sin, they had perfect loving communion with each other. Ever since they sinned, human interactions have been plagued by dysfunction, pain, and conflict through sinful behavior and, often, lack of self-control.
The most challenging relationships are usually those closest and most personal to us – families, friends, or significant others. As we meditate with God, we develop intimacy with Him alone. This intimacy with God can empower us to develop and love others. Good relationships don’t happen automatically. True love takes both time and effort. It needs cultivation through Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
We can become so busy and distracted with Christmas activities and responsibilities, we don’t pause to evaluate how we are relating to family and friends. We may become insensitive, even unaware that we are treating others in an unchristlike and insensitive way. We may not see a problem until faced with a major crisis (divorce, alienation from children, parents, and friends).
God is having me spend daily time meditating with Him. To take time with Him right now to consider the quality of family and friend relationships. Jesus said it, “treat people the same way you want them to treat you.” (Luke 6:31) Most of us know that but, knowing and practicing or doing it is not the same thing! This commandment came directly from God’s own son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. So, let’s change that. Let’s know it and do it.
I am asking each of us to spend more time meditating alone with Jesus this Christmas season! Take time to make a list of ways we want others to treat us. For instance, if you want to be treated with respect, pause, look, listen, watch your life. Are you respecting your spouse, siblings, parents, and friends? Consider how God wants you to act. Let us give the gift of love this Christmas throughout month of December!
Spend time alone with God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and others demonstrating His love for everyone equally. Love is more than emotion. It is selfless and centered on others. Do your best for and with others. Practice behaving this way. You’ll become better at recognizing unspoken needs. Also treat people with kindness. Forgive each other as God forgave (and continues to forgive) us. To forgive others from our own strength could be impossible. However, as believers in Christ, we have the power and help of the Holy Spirit to overcome all sinful responses and interact as God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit desire.
Move away from a focus on yourself into selflessness! Ask the Holy Spirit to help you improve your relationships and to please and honor God, in Jesus’ name. The Lord can restore broken relationships and hearts this Christmas as His gift to each one of us! God Bless you all!