Lean on the LordSample

"Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble,” 1 Peter 3:8.

We all like it when people listen to us and are there for us when we need to share something, and it’s wonderful that we can do that for others as well. It is something borne out of love. It shows that it is important to reach out and care for one another, to put their needs before yours. Does that mean that you should neglect yourself? Of course not, but sometimes it is good to set aside your desires to be there for someone.

In Bible school, we had a lesson one day about hospitality, and our teacher said: ‘‘When you say yes to someone else, you say no to something for yourself. And when you say yes to yourself, you say no to something for the other.’’ It’s an interesting thought and is so true.

In 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8, there is a well-known verse about love: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, boast, nor is it proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hope, always perseveres. Love never fails.”

God is love, and when we seek to be more like Him, we develop those character traits. When we humbly persevere, it will get easier to be there for others and truly love one another.

When you have a busy day, are super tired, or struggling, never forget that God is always available! He is merciful and loves you with eternal love. As we grow more Christ-like, how wonderful would it be if we could also be there to love and encourage one another!