"Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." I Corinthians 13: 4-7 (NKJV)When I think about this scripture the first thing that comes to my mind is the responsibility we have as pastor's wives and leaders of our churches. In the early church, leaders modeled love to their churches. They lived by these words in the scripture. Love was the foundation and motive for the leaders' action.
As a pastor's wife, minister and a woman in ministry, I have repeatedly experienced everything but love from some folks throughout our tenure in ministry. I am thankful today that God has taught me how to love those who don't love others. I realize that if I were not able to love those who demonstrate a cold heart that I could not be an effective leader. When we dwell on the hurts and pains of life we become very bitter and indifferent. God's love is directed outward toward others, not inward toward ourselves. It is utterly unselfish. This love is not natural. It is possible only if God supernaturally helps us set aside our own desires and instincts. The closer we come to Christ, the more love we will express to others.
~ Today I am also thankful for my husband who loves me unconditionally. He is truly my very best friend in the world.
~ I am thankful for our children we thought we would never have. After seven years of fertility drugs, numerous tests and a difficult and life-threatening delivery God finally blessed us with our beautiful daughter. Two years later after a high risk pregnancy we were again blessed with our son who is now an Evangelist. I am thankful for the love of my children.
~ I am thankful for the opportunity to minister and encourage other women to serve Christ and to develop into the women of God He has intended for their lives.
~ I am thankful for Luke and Victoria. There is nothing like the feeling of little arms wrapped around your neck giving Grammy a big hug!
~ I am thankful for other Christian women, for the women I have met in blog world and Facebook, who are a continuous encouragement and mentors in my life.
Lynn at Spiritually Unequal Marriage is hosting TT today. Check out her site and the other women who have posted today.
Blessings!
May God continue to bless you sweetie.
ReplyDeleteMinistry life can be so tough. But you said it well when you talked about the importance of loving those who aren't very loving. It can be so hard to do yet with God it is possible.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a great day!
Karen
I loved this post.
ReplyDeleteBeloved, let us love one another, for love is of God;and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.He who does not love does not know God,for God is Love.
IJohn4:7.8
it is wonderful when our husband is our best friend I feel the same way
ReplyDeleteI love 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. It is one of my favorite passages of all time, I even chose it to be one of the readings on my wedding day.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing all the things you are thankful for. Blessings to you =)
This post really spoke to me. I just feel like I want to thank you for your service as a Pastor's wife...
ReplyDeleteI know the life you live is challenging. It is wonderful to read your words and how you love through the power of God.
BIG hugs. See you again Thursday.