Light a Candle for Love

Love. All of our faith is centered around the One who is the perfect manifestation of love. The proof that we are His is not in the length of our clothing, the accessories we wear, what we eat or drink. The proof that we are His is in our love-one for another. This loving one another is, in the sight of God, an expression of our love for Him. (Matthew 22: 36 - 40). The love of God is unselfish. It does not seek its own gain, but always the benefit of the other, even when it requires great sacrifice. (1 Corinthians 13:5 and  1 John 4:10). 

This Advent choose to glorify God, with the power His Holy Spirit provides, as you come to eat and drink around your table in love. Here are 3 practical tips to express this unselfish concern for those with whom you will eat and drink:

1. Seek the wellbeing of others regardless of their response. Check your heart as you prepare your meals. Are you doing it in love or to seek personal validation. Expressions of gratitude are good for the one who has given and healthy for the heart of the one who has received. However, if when you serve what you have prepared you find your heart waiting for applause, it is a sign that your offering has fallen short of the standard of love. Give cheerfully! Choose to give ONLY what would make you glad without any payment in return. If you find your offering small when measured against that criterion then pray for God to enlarge your heart’s capacity to love as He loves. He’ll say yes!
2. Seek the wellbeing of others, even if it is at great cost to you. Do you have loved ones with unique food preferences? Do you have loved ones who are dieting or trying to facilitate the healing of their bodies through being very selective in what they eat? Ask your guests to share any food preferences in advance of your gathering. Be sure to prepare a meal that all can partake in heartily! If you cannot offer choices, then choose things that all can eat. Also, be attentive to how you speak about the preferences and choices of others. Don’t speak of them at all. Just make room for the diverse souls, whom God loves, at your table and greet them with the generosity with which you have been received by God.
3. Love your enemies. Consider inviting a challenging person to gather at your table, in the company of others. Do this with wisdom. This person should not pose a danger to you or any other person. Be intentionally about leaning into the personal story of this person as the meal progresses. Your choice to do this will be a great witness of the extraordinary love that has won your life-the love of Jesus Christ!

Learn more about the biblical definition of love here: 

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Jeanette recommends this devotional to center our hearts and incorporate movement for wellness into our lives this Advent.
Get yours here:
​Walking to the Manger: Four Weeks of Daily Devotions for Advent (2019) By Butch Odom

​Happy temple building!

Take care. Bless many.