Advice from a Veteran

When my wife and I celebrated our twenty-fifth wedding anniversary some fourteen years ago, we were asked by a newly married individual what the key to the longevity of our marriage was.  It was like he was asking so that he might take it into consideration for his marriage.  I found a similar situation as I read from I Timothy this morning.  Here we find the seasoned minister Paul sharing with his young protégé from his vast experience of his years in the ministry.   Paul talks about some of the problems that Timothy will be facing, gives him some solid advice and then explains, “My goal in giving you this order is for love to flow from a pure heart, from a clear conscience, and from a sincere faith.” (I Timothy 1:5 God’s Word ©)  In the next few verses Paul goes on saying that “Some people have left these qualities (that are directed and fed by love) behind and have turned to useless discussions… they don’t understand what their talking about or the things about which they speak so confidently.” (I Timothy1:6-7 God’s Word ©)

In Galatians 5:6 he tells his readers that “What matters most is a faith that expresses itself through love.” (God’s Word ©)  The King James succinctly puts it as “faith which worketh by love.”  It would seem that Paul’s greatest piece of advice was to agree with Jesus and John’s philosophy that love was the highest law to follow.  In modern terms I think Paul would have told Timothy that in every decision it is best to always default to love.

What makes this action even more exciting and possible is that God has already given us all the tools we need to follow this directive!  Romans 5:5 informs us that “The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost.” (KJV)  I John 4:19 declares that “we (can) love because God loved us first” (CEV) and then Romans 8:39 drives the point home by undeniably stating that “There is nothing in all creation that will ever separate us from the love of God which is ours through Christ Jesus our Lord.” (GNB)  There is nothing that others – or yourself – can do or say that will separate you from His love… nothing!

I think the hard part comes when we are faced with a situation and have to be still long enough to hear and then obey what He, in His love, says to do about it!  I’ve learned that many times the best thing to do when wanting to help others is nothing!  To simply reach out, hold their hand and allow the love of God to flow into the situation without trying to infuse my personal wisdom or thoughts.  I believe that Christians, even Pastor’s, don’t always have to have the answer for someone else’s needs… and that this is okay!  I’ve found out that it is okay to admit that you might not have an answer but to quietly stand with them, with the understanding that God in His loving and kingly position does!

Some of the most understanding and moving times that I and others have spent with my wife during this battle for her health have been experienced as we simply sat, looked at each other and held hands. Most people, even those who have been very close to her are very uncomfortable with this type of interaction.  Many of them immediately feel like they need to say something, or control the interaction when all that comes out are the useless and misunderstanding words or discussions that Paul told Timothy about.

One of the countless lessons I learned at Bible School was the importance of the Pastor’s quiet presence and show of love and support with a family whose is grieving over the loss of a loved one.  Within the realm of that quiet atmosphere, the love, power and healing of the Lord is released and ministers to a greater effect than any empty words could ever accomplish.

Like I mentioned in other posts this week, it takes great confidence in God and in ourselves to simply “be” a quiet vessel of His love to those in need.  Just being present to them can mean more than anything else.  So what is stopping you from loving others this weekend?  You have all that it takes inside to do this!  All you need is a little guts, a little practice and lots of trust and patience!  It’s actually pretty easy when you come right down to it!  Just offer yourself and let God do the rest.  Have a great weekend.  Stay in tune to His Word, and keep asking yourself… “What or Whom am I expecting today?”