January 12, 2003 ~ 9:50 p.m.
Feeling:
Song of the day: "Beautiful" ~ Sarah Sadler
Love is patient and kind, love is not jealous, or conceited, or proud; love is not ill-mannered, or selfish, or irritable; love does not keep a record of wrongs; love is not happy with evil, but is happy with the truth. Love never gives up: its faith, hope, and patience never fail.
~ I Corinthians 13: 4-7
Love...and I don't just mean 'romantic' love, rather, love for your family, friends, and others.
I was involved in a discussion about this topic tonight. Sunday evening classes are back in session in the Youth Group. So we talked about a lot of things and we shared very deep thoughts and were very honest with each other.
Don't understand that part from Scripture above? Well...here's a breif analysis, which I've tried to rephrase to help out people who sit in this same boat.
Love is patient: People can really get on our nerves sometimes but we should be slow to be angry or lose our temper easily. We try to keep cool so that anger does not overtake us so that we may refrain from violence.
Love is kind: One tries to be thoughtful of others. Have the will to be able to praise the success of others. Share time and concern when it's needed, and it's a kind gesture to try and "build up" others.
Love is not jealous: Don't try to get upset if others seem to be 'better' than you, or are promoted ahead of you, even when it is not deserved. Don't be threatened by other's talents, rather, be filled with joy that one shares the same common thing as you. Try not to punish people with your moods.
Love is not conceited: Being in the spotlight can make you feel good, but you wouldn't want to hog it all to yourself. Try to avoid being the star all the time, because others need to shine too. It's a much better feeling to help one who can find their moment of glory. We should not exaggerate about our accomplishments.
Love is not proud: Know your limitations and try to work within them. You don't need special attention or favors to do things. There is no need to put someone down just to get the feeling you are better than they.
Love is not ill-mannered: Avoid making any crude or sarcastic comments to others or about others. In conversation, try to be polite, supportive, and sincere and friendly toward others, and they will regard you in the same way.
Love is not selfish: Being self-centered causes one to estrange others. Avoid making others fit your expectations. Your friends are not only your friends, let them make new ones themselves, and those friends will become even greater friends to you. Don't try to insist on your way all the time, as learning from others' ways of doing things can be enlightening.
Love is not irritable: People despise those who are constantly touchy, cranky, defensive or super-sensitive. Don't lay bad moods on others because it hurts them just as much as one may have hurt you in the same way. Be approachable, warm, open and easy to get along with.
Love keeps no record of wrongs: We should always try to be quick to forgive those who hurt us. Don't fight back or seek revenge when jumped on by someone, because it only adds to the fire of the situation. Forget all mistakes ( because we're only human ) others make and avoid holding grudges. Emotions like that are slow killing machines.
Love is not happy with evil: We don't want to be 'right' all the time, but if you are, there is no need for too much self-satisfaction if someone is proven wrong. Never take delight in another's failure, even if it makes you look good. Be encouraging rather than saying "I told you so."
Love is happy with the truth: Be honest and seek justice, even if it shows weakness. Be willing to give credit and praise when necessary. Live a commitment to God honestly, and be willing to admit your mistakes.
Love never gives up: Relationships with others can be tough, but we must continue to keep sharing. Never try to miss an opportunity to help someone, otherwise you'd miss the incredible feelings of joy that is a greater gift than any material possession created. Nothing should make you give up on your commitment to love.
Love is not only meant to be for those close to us or only to those we like. We should open our arms to others and their opinions and ideas. Though I don't mean to say we should let everybody else do everything, just not so much that you are perfect. No one is perfect, and everyone knows that. We all know our little flaws.
So...how's your love life?
Can't take this crap anymore...
Torn
Staying Strong
Heavenly Music
A Filipino Drunkard's Party
Living life »»†«« in solitude...
