1. When LOVE is the motivation for our acts, we cannot go wrong. Good deeds are certainly better than bad ones, but even they sometimes go awry. When our motivation is vanity, impressing others, or getting something in return, others can someimes feel that, and God will always know that. But when we act out of pure, unselfish love, we cannot go wrong. Love never fails.
2. LOVE is not relative. "Love does not rejoice over wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth." Good deeds are not what we define them to be, but what the Absolute Good, God, defines them to be. He gives us all a conscience so if we follow it carefully we'll normally get to the Good. But this is a harder path, drought with risks. Sometimes in our weakness or desire to be accepted by the prevailing culture, we fail. So while it is possible to be good without God, it is easier to get there with Him. He shows us the way.
3. LOVE perseveres. Loving others, especially loving those closest to us, requires patience and perseverance. A loving relationship is not always perfect; there are ups and downs, good times and bad times, sickness and health. LOVE perseveres in the hard times, it doesn't give up. Giving of yourself unselfishly, when times are tough and your tank is empty, is the purest form of love. It is the love of Christ for us as he hung on the cross.
We concluded the evening with mutual testimony of acts and attitudes of our spouses that demonstrated in a special way their love for us. This got very personal and I didn't take notes. But what impressed me most was that most of the stories centered around little, unexpected acts of love toward the beloved when the latter was struggling and thought their spouse didn't even know it. Very beautiful.
Resolution: We will try to "recreate" this evening of LOVE over Thanksgiving with our families, going around the table and asking them to highlight an act of Love they received from a member of the family. (Maybe we can assign each person a member so all are covered.)
In Christ,
Steve Auth
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