loving and liking

 Saturday, October 19, 2024 (4:06 a.m.)

Loving Lord God,

Thank You. I just got to wake up thinking how much I like You. Talk with me please about the difference between liking and loving.

(6:02 a.m.)

Thank you Father. Reading. Dozing. Waking. Praying. And repeating.

Loving and liking. The much loved husband and I had this discussion for years. As much as we knew we loved one another, there were plenty of times liking was not involved.

Thank You God that Your Word became our mainstay. Learning to filter our thoughts and feelings through It and You allowed us to grow together. Laughing, liking and loving our way through the mistakes we made over the years. 

Thank You for the groundwork You continued doing in, with, by, through and for us Father. Beginning with the Truth of Philippians 1:9. And continuing in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.

Lord, thank You for the day all those years ago that You pierced my heart with The Message version of the apostle Paul’s “love letter” to the congregation at Philippi.

“So this is my prayer: that your love will flourish and that you will not only love much but well. Learn to love appropriately. You need to use your head and test your feelings so that your love is sincere and intelligent, not sentimental gush. Live a lover’s life, circumspect and exemplary, a life Jesus will be proud of: bountiful in fruits from the soul, making Jesus Christ attractive to all, getting everyone involved in the glory and praise of God” (vs. 9-11).

Coupling these verses with Paul’s first letter to the church at Corinth we were able to practice learning to love as You would have us love. Never giving up. Caring more for the other than ourself. Not wanting what we didn’t have [and learning to like and want what we did have!].

Paul’s list continues. Not strutting. Nor having a swelled head. Not forcing itself on others. Not always “me first.” Not flying off the handle. Nor keeping score of the sins of others. Not reveling when others grovel. Truly taking pleasure as truth grows. Putting up with all things. Trusting You always. Always looking for the best. Never looking back. And keeping going to the end.

You wrote the book on loving and liking! And I’ve been an active participant in it’s rewards program! Continue Your work Dearest God. Using me exactly as You know is best.

I love [and LIKE] You. I need, trust and want You. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(426 words ~6:46 a.m.)