Devotion: Acting in Love

“You are always responsible for how you act, no matter how you feel.” ~Robert Tew

We live in a world replete with violence and hate. Truthfully, we always have, because of the sin of mankind. Most of us want to see this world become a better place. It just feels so overwhelming. Where do we begin?

We begin with our own hearts. We need to practice taking hold of our emotions, even when we are feeling angry, defensive, or resentful. We need to ask ourselves what it would look like to respond in love, rather than what our fickle feelings might lead us to, and then do it.

I practice this within the walls of my own house every day with my kids. They give me all kinds of reasons to feel angry, resentful, or even hurt fairly often. And don’t get me wrong–my feelings sometimes rule, and then my kids see a mama I would rather they not see. I guess those are the times I have to practice admitting that I acted on my feelings, rather than thinking through or allowing the Holy Spirit to lead me in love. It humbles me every time. Being willing to ask for forgiveness is taking the first step back toward love. It is the practice of being responsible for our actions.

Of course, I would rather not have to apologize at all, not because I am becoming some sort of perfect person or mom, but because I am truly letting the Holy Spirit lead my thoughts and actions. I want my boys to see the Holy Spirit moving in me so obviously that they cannot deny his existence. I want them to be able to put themselves in my shoes, imagine how I might be feeling or how they would be feeling, and then realize that the Lord is more powerful than our feelings.

We do not have to act out how we are feeling. We can love when we are feeling angry. We can be calm when we want to scream. We can forgive when we want to hold a grudge. We can speak softly when we want to yell.

We can be kind whatever the situation, whatever our feelings.

If we want a better world, we must start modeling behavior that stems from love. Love of one another, love of the earth, and especially love for people who are the same as and different from us. If we want a better world, we must teach our children what this loving no matter what looks like, and then, we must teach or model that for other people’s children too. We must show kindness and generosity even when we don’t feel like it.

Lord Jesus, help us to LIVE LOVE. Help us to pause in those hard moments, in those hard feelings, so we can get our act together and allow YOU to shine within and through us. Help us model your love for all those around us, but especially starting with those closest to us, in our homes, no matter our feelings. Amen.

Scripture for Reflection

“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” (1 John 3:18 NIV)

“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:2 NIV)

Reach for More

This week, what will love above feelings look like at your house? Will it start with asking for forgiveness from your kids, spouse, or a friend? Pray for the Holy Spirit’s covering in situations that cause worry or strife in your mind and heart. Pray for Holy Spirit words and actions to come from your lips and heart.

Get out your Bible and read through some of the stories about Jesus’ interactions with people. How did he act? What might we feel if we were in his shoes? In our humanness we might have to admit that we would feel things we are not proud of. Practice thinking about the people in the stories with Jesus and seeing what he saw in them, the image of his Father, and then go through a few of the people in your life and try to see them the way Jesus does. Counting and seeing the good leads to love, or at least a softened heart. I know I could use that.

Friends, please come back and leave a comment telling us about how God spoke to you this week, or share your progress on social media using the hashtag #tgtreachformore. We would love to hear from you.

Carla Clemens enjoys a crazy, beautiful life with her military husband and four sons. A baby and toddler interrupt her homeschool days in the best ways, and she is always attempting to live with mindfulness of each moment. She hopes to look at the world and each person in it in light of our amazing Creator and therefore, to see each moment presented as an opportunity to love and serve him more. Carla relishes time to ponder God’s Word and have quiet moments with him and her coffee. She loves doing life with other mamas and encouraging them to simply be who God has made them to be.