2007-11-20 04:30:59 · 26 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Try doing 1 act of kindness towards others.
As Albert Einstein would say "once an object is set in motion it will stay in motion unless acted on by an opposite force."
2007-11-20 04:34:11 · answer #1 · answered by tapnet1 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
...and it continues "as I loved you." While Jesus was addressing the Apostles in this passage, I believe that the exhortation applies to Christians today. So are we to all quit our jobs and follow Christ until we too are cruicified on a cross? No. Even Paul continued on in the trade of tent making.
However, the key is to place others' needs in front of our own. In the post-modern era, in America, this is practically impossible to find (in my opinion). People get involved with church to figure out to use the Bible and its teachings like they do a hammer and screw driver to improve their lives in a material way.
In aggregate, Genesis to Revelation there are 4 essential themes:
Man sins (the cycle is illustrated multiple times)
Sin separates Man from God (ditto)
Jesus bridges that relationship (see John)
Christians are responsible for propagating the message (Great Commission) throughout the world.
The fourth is our true motivation for learning to love. It is when we realize that each person we come into contact with is a chance to spread the Gospel and each time we choose not to is saying I love myself, more than my neighbor.
Academically speaking, it is a crime to kill. But for a Christian not to spread the Gospel, YOU are killing a person for eternity. You have not given them the freedom to choose their fate and it is their voice you will hear on Judgement Day asking why didn't you tell me?
In my opinion, that is how you learn to love others, realize the role you play as a Christian here on earth. If you are not comfortable (gifted) at sharing the gospel, then do all you can to support those who do.
God Bless,
Steve
2007-11-20 12:47:51 · answer #2 · answered by shaffner 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Love is a verb, not a noun.
Asking the Lord for more ability to love will bring you the unlovable to practice on. Exercise love; it is a fruit of the Spirit. And if you do not have the fruit, then you need to ask God to give you His Spirit.
Here in the USA, this Thanksgiving week is a great time to put your faith into practice.
2007-11-20 12:36:18 · answer #3 · answered by Bobby Jim 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Love is much more than a feeling or feeling warm and fuzzy about someone. Love can often be best expressed in actions. Love your neighbor by listening to them, taking the time to be a friend, and let them know that they are loved.
Teach love of neighbor through actions of kindness. When we get close to people we see them for who they are as opposed to seeing only their need. For example, we all saw the need after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, but when we actually return to Louisiana time after time and work to rebuild with those who are hurting, we develop feelings of love for these people who only time ago were nameless faceless victim; now they are friends.
Love is about relationship. What the world calls love is so often devoid of any kind of relationship -- it is only about what I can get out of this. Love begins with God, who is by nature relationship: three in One in perfect relationship. Learn more about God, not just facts, but by spending time in God's presence and we learn more about love and loving. Experience grace and we are better able to extend grace to other people and thereby love them.
2007-11-20 12:40:42 · answer #4 · answered by CHos3n 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Feeling it is not as important as doing it....Remember Love is an action we can feel all the feeling in the worls for someone but if we don't do anything about it what good is it.
Same thing on the reverse if we feel nothing for that person but show love anyways by feeding them,helping them in their time of need that is what counts.
2007-11-20 12:35:12 · answer #5 · answered by Lee's Wife 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jesus sends the Holy Spirit to believers. The Holy Spirit transforms us from within. Through the Holy Spirit believers can 'reflect' God' s love to others. This is not a learned process; rather, the work ofthe Holy Spirit.
2007-11-20 12:41:12 · answer #6 · answered by BowtiePasta 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Practice makes perfect. Look for opportunities to love people outside of 'the norm' go out of your way to show your love for others. Walking is love is the most difficult; yet most required commandment that Christians must live by. Its never easy. But it is possible.
2007-11-20 12:37:53 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It takes a whole lot of selflessness to love someone else unconditionally. But when you do this it heals and radiates out to others as well. I just finished reading this book on attitudinal healing and the book title is called "Teach only Love" I must say this taught me alot about looking at others and only trying to feel love towards them instead of being judgemental. It is a difficult task at times, but when you conquer it your suppose to feel total freedom and serenity. I am working on this skill daily.
2007-11-20 12:37:08 · answer #8 · answered by ?? yaddajean ?? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Empathy
2007-11-20 12:32:57 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
By always seeking the good in other people. Notice the word seeking. Its an active process and requires effort, as does anything worthwhile.
2007-11-20 12:38:36 · answer #10 · answered by Shane K 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋