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TRUST JESUS TODAY

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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: LOVE (agape and/or phileo) (03/12/15)
Sunday March 14

I wonder if God's trying to tell me something. Take note, Emma. Today's sermon – The Real Meaning of Love. Then, tonight's devotion – 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. Better think a bit more about love. I'll put those verses on my cell phone screen.

Great day. Spent some time relaxing. Busy week ahead.

Monday March 15

Got up a bit late. Checked my phone and saw the Love verses. Decided to try to do Love properly today. I prayed that the Lord would help me show love today. I guess God took me seriously.

1st test: Jay had parked his car right behind mine. Only saw this as I dashed out the door. Fury started to boil up in me but I pushed it down. Love is kind.

I went back inside and asked him, very nicely, to move his car. He took his time and the anger pushed up again. Squashed it. Love is patient.

2nd test: When I got to the office I saw the promotions list. I wasn't on it, but Clare was. I started to boil and the steam nearly escaped. Nearly! Love does not envy.

To be perfectly honest, she deserved it. I even managed to go and congratulate her.

3rd test: Turned on my computer and started on the emails. There were 23! The 3rd one down stopped me dead in my tracks.

'Your paper has been accepted for the conference. We would like you to speak to your topic.'

I couldn't help myself. I yelled “Yes!” Loudly! Of course everyone turned to look at me and ask me what the good news was. Now I had a dilemma. Love does not boast. It is not proud.

'Nothing really', I made myself say. But Clare chipped in.

“She's going to present a paper at the conference. Emma, I saw your name on the list. ” And they all clapped. Yes, I was proud, but in a humble sort of way. I didn't boast. I sent a quick prayer heavenwards. “Thank you Lord, for helping me learn this love thing.”

You'd think that was enough testing for one day but here came another one!

4th test: At lunch break the gossip began. I never like it much, but it's so tempting to join in. Well, today they were talking about Sandy. The gossip was about her boyfriend dumping her. Everyone had their ideas about why it was her fault. My mind was thinking up some juicy ideas but, No! Love does not dishonour others.

I couldn't quite bring myself to criticise them for their gossiping, so I took my lunch and walked away. At least I held my tongue.

Well, I thought I'd done pretty well. “Enough tests for one day, Lord. Surely!” And the rest of the day was pretty quiet. Easy peasy!

Driving home I was patting myself on the back (not literally of course!) for doing a lot of good loving today. There was only the Sunday School meeting tonight and they're all Christians. Should be easy.

Got there on the dot of 8. Right on time. But Roger and Mimi were late. Not fair. I'd rushed like mad to get there. The steam was building up! I'd have to say something. But... Love is not easily angered.

Foiled again! I kept my cool. I said nothing. I put a lot of effort into welcoming them and asking about their day. And I managed to stop myself from dropping a hint about punctuality later. I'm usually good at those little digs. Love keeps no record of wrongs.

Oh yes, that was the 5thTest.

I think I'm getting the idea. Just read through the Love verses again. And again. It's 11.00 and I'm off to bed.

“Please Lord, do test me on the other ones. And, I suppose I've got to keep on taking those first tests, and passing. It's pretty revolutionary stuff, this love!”


I Corinthians 13: 4-8
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.
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This article has been read 954 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
C D Swanson 
03/20/15
Entertaining and a delight to read. With plenty of truth resonating throughout.

God bless~
Yvonne Blake 
03/25/15
I like this. God does test us what we have learned...and often in the everyday, ordinary trials. Thank you for writing this.
C D Swanson 
03/26/15
Congrats!
God bless~
Pauline Carruthers
03/29/15
This is a lovely reminder that we should be seeking to live our lives according to the Word of God. Congratulations on your win.
Lois Lewis
03/29/15
Ain't it the truth? Congratulations!
Beth LaBuff 
03/31/15
Ellen, this is perfect for the topic (and to illustrate 1 Corinthians 13). Your creativity and cleverness shine here. I loved the MC's thoughts each time she reined herself in. I'm still smiling. Super work! Congrats!!!
Charla Diehl
04/04/15
This is perfectly and cleverly written to the topic. Each day we are tested in some way, I think, to give love to someone. Sometimes it's easy, but often it's a challenge--and this story illustrates that in a challenge-winning way--congrats!