One Mind part 3
One mind means one thought, right? And the thought is, "I love you." What else would the God who is love think towards us--we who He created in order to have something to love. But there are lots of different ways to express that thought. Charity is love in action, right? And, really, actions DO speak louder than words. I read today that giving in order to get is an investment. Giving because you have something worth giving... is love. Love IS giving. But people give what they've got in different ways. People receive that gift in different ways. And sometimes, unfortunately, people are too proud to accept charity. That's when you need to get a little bit creative. Because while that might seem stupid--you have a need, I'm willing to fill that need, and you're refusing?--that doesn't mean it isn't happening. And you can't force Jesus--God, love--down people's throats. They'll choke on it. Sometimes you have to sensitive to HOW that person needs what they need. Because if they won't (can't) receive what you're trying to give them... then you're not doing them any good. And, its important to remember, its not about you. Its about them. If you're doing it in order to get something--be it even a "thank you"--then its not love. Love is giving. Giving has nothing to do with getting. It has everything to do with knowing and believing that you have what you need. That you have what THEY need. And then giving what you've got. And not worrying about how its received. And, again, I'm not saying you should shove it down their throats. I'm not saying you should hit them over the head with your love to the point where it beats them down. I'm saying, "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger" (Proverbs 15:1). Sometimes its not what you say. Its how you say it. Sometimes its not what you do. Its how you do it. So while--when we let the mind of Christ that's in us BE in us--we're all thinking the same though, "I love you," there are lots of different ways to express that thought. And the best way, almost every time, is soft and sweet. 1 Corinthians 13:5 in the Message Bible, speaking about love, says, "Doesn't force itself on others, Isn't always "me first," Doesn't fly off the handle, Doesn't keep score of the sins of others." Love doesn't demand its (HIS) own way. Love supports, and edifies, and lifts people up... while still letting them be who they are. It (HE) doesn't make people jump through hoops. It (HE) doesn't make people earn it. Deserve's got nothing to do with it. Love is all for one and One for all. But we have to do it right. We have to make sure people can pick up what we're laying down. And that's where relationship comes in. Getting to know people. Meeting people where they're at--not where we think they should be. Judging righteous judgment instead of judging by appearance. We can get together on this. Because we all have one mind. The mind of Christ. The heart of God. And the mind only thinks one thing. Love. The heart only beats with one thing. Love. The trick is expressing that thought... that love... in a way that can be received by the people we're in contact with. And I'll say it one more time to end this one tonight: That's where relationship comes in!