Love One Another Earnestly
“Hey Lauren, do you think you would be willing to do this for me?”
“Hey mommy, I need some water and clean clothes?”
“Hey, what’s for dinner and do we have food in the house?”
“Oh great another event added to my already full schedule.”
Anyone else feel like your “to-do” list never ends? Some to-dos are basic tasks that come with managing a household and some are just because you are helping out a friend. Either way, schedules fill up and the tasks never seem to end. Honestly, I thrive under lists and slight pressure. There is a certain adrenaline rush I get from completing tasks and getting schedules to come together. Lately though, I’ve been having an incorrect attitude towards all of those questions from before.
I have an issue with saying “no” to anything. My gut response to a task is “Of course.” As I’ve tried to create healthier boundaries, I have noticed a theme. I add to my lists to gain either the approval of others or because I don’t think someone else will step up. The second reason causes me to compare and assume a lot about others. When I start to do that, I get judgmental and start saying yes with the wrong attitude in my heart.
1 Peter 4:8-11 states
Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
This has been my prayer and constant reminder lately, keep loving one another earnestly. Oh that’s so hard. Earnestly is defined as with sincere and intense conviction. In my human nature, I want to continue comparing and having that poor attitude towards those around me. But God doesn’t want me to stall out in that mental destructive cycle. No, I’m called to love and serve. How and for what? With the Holy Spirit and to bring glory to God through Christ!
The most encouraging part is that I don’t have to do it alone. That isn’t to say that I have to bend over backwards at every request but instead serve with the attitude and strength of Christ. Whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies. When another task comes up or another request is made, I can lean into Christ to listen for His guidance knowing he will provide the strength for it or make it clear that I need to rest. That gives me hope. As I further my relationship with Christ, the more I see Him working through me or making me rest one way or another. And isn’t that what a perfect Heavenly Father should do? Watch over and guide the ones He loves. For that, I can count on the holy of Holies and the blameless and spotless one.