Part 1-Love
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
A Bear Called Red Fred
Red Fred is a worn, thread bare and faded stuffed bear. He has a little smile that can’t help but bring a grin to you. His neck is “broken” and causes his head to lob from side to side. This funny little bear has been in the family almost 20 years. He had originally belonged to my youngest daughter. He’s been on vacations, the beach, dentist, in the hospital, shopping carts, you name it he’s probably been there. So, when my granddaughter, Wynter saw Red Fred on the shelf, she immediately fell in love with him. My daughter gave him, reluctantly at first to her. Now Red Fred is exactly where he is meant to be, in the arms of a child giving quiet reassurance and love.
Our family has been blessed with a new member. A baby girl named Melody. She’s a bit fussy like most are in the first few weeks. Sleep is snatched in minutes rather than hours by my eldest daughter. I remembered those days well. I imagine it is also a bit difficult if not strange for my 5-year-old granddaughter Wynter. Suddenly all the attention she had enjoyed is now taken up by the new sister. To give my daughter a break I offered to baby sit a few hours so she could get out of the house. Melody was a bit cranky. Wynter sat next to me on the couch and watched me bounce and try to placate the baby. Nothing seemed to distract Melody from crying.
Wynter picked up the bear and fiddled with him while she tried to watch TV. Soon the fussing escalated to a full bawl. I bounced a bit harder, to no avail. After a few minutes Red Fred popped up and did a little dance to unheard music, ending his dance with a quick kiss on Melody’s nose and the crying stopped. He continued his repertoire, head bouncing wildly. All eyes were on the little red bear, most importantly Melody’s.
The baby drifted to sleep; the bear tucked with her in the bassinet. I commended Wynter on her willingness to share Fred with her sister. She shrugged and without looking up she said, “She needed him more than me.”
In Matthew 18:1-5, the disciples are asking Jesus which of them would be esteemed above the other. In addressing their questions, Jesus asked a child to come to him. Then he instructed the disciples that they are to “become as little children”. Children are generally destitute of ambition, pride, and haughtiness. They are characteristically humble and teachable. To obey Jesus, we must adopt the characteristics of a child.
Love is a choice and an action. There is no room for pride, or self-serving in true love. As Christians we must decide daily that we are going to love one another. Put away pride and haughtiness and love with the pureness of a child.
Love is the first fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) listed in the Bible. It is also what the world is in the most need of. I believe that we as Christians must first learn to love. Not just the nice or the deserving but all those we encounter throughout our lives.
Make love a habit.
Typist for Jesus
Mustard Seeds 