Real love

“We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters.”1 John‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

What does giving up our lives for our brothers and sisters look like? Realistically, it can look like us dying to retaliation when confronted with a hard truth. The next verse gives us another clue:

“If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?”1 John‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Yesterday I was confronted by the first and the day before the second. At times it is hard to give up what we thought was a right of our own. Giving up rights is the biggest challenge. However, we are called to lay down our rights for others.

A friend confronted me with my attitude and reactions which I do not remember. However, as I had asked the Lord to help me with pride, I recognised His hand on this. I had to, literally, swallow my pride and confess my sin. It was good for me. I have come to know I have landed in Nepal with much arrogance and pride from the west. We have a prideful way of ‘helping’ those in need in Nepal. 

There are many needs. I have learned to wait for the Holy Spirit in prayer for His direction. I cannot give out of self-righteousness. This stinks! When given money I ask: is this ‘seed to sow’ or ‘bread to eat’? If He says seed, then seed it is. I then wait for the field into which I sow.

I have a friend who is generous to the max with his finances. Watching his sowing blesses me and teaches me. I have a friend who dominates in conversation and this offends me. Others have opinions, and need to be welcome in conversation.

Oh Lord have mercy on us! Reveal Your ways and the paths to take! Amen!