I have had a recurring theme floating through my head recently. But even still I don’t always catch it the first time. Some words such as “I love you” or “how are you?” drift in and out so often that we miss them. The words just become part of the jumble of messages that are drifting in and out of our heads on a daily basis. But sometimes a message is bolder and louder than the ordinary. This is when I know I should take notice. Have you ever had certain words, messages or themes on repeat in your head? Does it cause you to pause and take notice?
Words on repeat are no accident. They are God’s way of getting our attention. It is His plea for us to draw closer to Him. A call to step away from our agenda into His plan. A beautiful love note to remind us we are His and not the world’s.
The love note that God passed to me this week is…
Honor one another – a message not only for us to receive, but one that requires an action on our part. It is taking a step toward sharing God’s unconditional love with others. When we honor one another, we delight God. The fruits from this action are many.
The message shows up clearly in Romans 12:9-13 and has been on repeat recently. The words are definitive in these verses, but weave throughout other verses that have crossed my path.
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Romans 12:9-13
[Tweet “Love when freely given begins the exchange of selfishness for selflessness.”]
My selfishness needs to be replaced with God’s selflessness. Love does not just drift in when it is convenient. Love is a gift that should be readily gifted to others and openly received. God smiles when we show hospitality to others. His heart fills when we lose ourselves in serving others. God knows that sincere love happens when we step away from our agenda and walk toward helping others become better people.
What does loving sincerely look like in your life? When you honor others are you truly losing yourself to gain God?
As I absorb God’s message to honor one another, I will seek ways to put this into action in my own life. It starts with one step in my own neighborhood.
Will you take that one step today?
In grace and peace,
Mary
Linking up with Lisha @Give Me Grace
I’m certainly going to try Mary. In my home and in my community , which are sometimes the hardest places to extend Gods grace. Thankful for your reminder. Have a great week!
I will join you in honoring others right here in my own neighborhood because I believe that’s where it needs to start. I am blessed by your comment but also how openly you share your voice to call us out of ourselves to see and accept others. Thank you for stopping by, Lisha!
Hi Mary! Sounds a lot like you are moving from human to divine here. When we leave some of our human selves behind and take up life as Christ did, that’s real transformation! I just did a talk on Spiritual Transformation, and it seems to me that the cornerstone of change is becoming more like Christ.
Certainly ‘gaining God’ is included in that.
Blessings!
Ceil
I would have loved to hear your talk on spiritual transformation. I saw the picture you posted on FB and I pray that your words were well received. I did not dig deep enough in this post to reflect on transformation but I am glad you brought it up. Until we let God work on us from the inside out and truly remake us into His image, we will always struggle with letting go of ourselves to put others first. Great addition to the conversation, Ceil. You never fail to add depth.
I love these passages in Paul’s letters where he gives his readers instructions for just getting along with each other, treating each other they way they should. Sometimes I think we “over spiritualize” this walk with Christ because so much of the relationship aspect of following Him is just a matter of putting others first. (The hardest thing for us to do, right?)
Thanks, Mary, for this offering on the Lord’s Day. Always a gift!
Yes and yes! Walking with Christ is about relationship and thinking beyond ourselves to put others first is very difficult. Paul speaks these words and on paper they sound easy but I know that living this out is usually one step forward and three steps back. I am blessed that you shared your insight and joined me here. Love having you!
And He said this through you, friend –>’Words on repeat are no accident. ‘
And this, for me, is great cause for pause. And a prayer that I’d be more and more attentive to what He continues to whisper close.
Thanks for this Sunday afternoon treat, Mary. It’s been good to visit with you, even for just a bit …
You’re welcome! God provides words to teach me what I am still learning. Life lessons abound most days. Praying that we all hear the whispers of God’s love notes that are meant just for us. Blessed for the short time together, Linda!
Sometimes loving sincerely means accepting that your love offering may not get a response and/or may not get the response you want. I’ve learned that true, sacrificial love is given without expectations. Thank you for sharing God’s love note to you this week, my friend! Sabbath blessings!
Your comment is spot on for me today, June! I needed the reminder that loving sincerely may not get a response or the response I want. There is a reason I read this comment today and not yesterday. Thank you! Hope you have a wonderful week!
Mary,
In the scripture the phrase, “faithful in prayer” struck me. Too often I offer up one prayer for those in need, but God calls us to be faithful (continuing) in prayer for those around us. I am learning to ask Him to bring to mind those who need prayer when I’m in His presence. Needed this reminder!
Blessings and Happy Sabbath,
Bev
I write because God knows I need the lesson that I am writing about. I know I am preaching to myself throughout a post but God is so good to then touch others with words they need at that same time. Perseverance to run the race toward God is one of my prayers everyday. Praying we all continue the race to God in prayer, words, actions and how we live our lives. Thank you for joining me today!
THIS: “Honor one another – a message not only for us to receive, but one that requires an action on our part. It is taking a step toward sharing God’s unconditional love with others. When we honor one another, we delight God. The fruits from this action are many.” I do strive to do this every day. Love ya friend!
I believe you do strive to honor others. You have a beautiful heart and you share it with us at your blogging home. Praying your week is blessed.