COMMON INTERESTS
Human beings, despite their differences, have a lot of things in common. We are all created by God, live on planet earth, breathe the air and feel the heat and the cold. Everyone, in some way, at some time, experiences the love of God, which fills the earth.
Psalm 33:4-5 (CSB)
For the word of the Lord is right, and all his work is trustworthy.
He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the Lord’s unfailing love.
Because God is love and we are created in His image, then we also need to show love to others. Sometimes it is easy to show love, but what about situations when it may be more difficult.
What if we meet someone whose views differ from ours and the temptation is to argue without listening?
Instead, we can look for common ground and listen carefully to each other. Even in family discussions we sometimes need to keep talking and listening to find the commonality. Often after talking we see that we are not as different as we first thought.
INTERRUPTIONS ARE COMMON
How can we show love when interruptions come?
It seems that every time I actually start to write for this series, I barely get started before I’m interrupted. That can be frustrating, especially when I’ve taken time to get my thoughts together before starting.
What will my response be? Will I show my irritation or will I respond lovingly and patiently?
I’m sorry to say that I don’t always choose the loving option, but I am working on it.
Does that disqualify me from writing about love and encouragement? I don’t think so. By sharing my vulnerability I show my humanity which is common to us all. If I confess my sinful thoughts and actions I know God forgives me. My life doesn’t have to be perfect in order to help someone else.
People helping people is a beautiful sight to see. When we share our lives with each other rather than keep to ourselves, we expand our outlook on life. As we encourage each other we find joy.
May God help us to find more ways to share and bring unity in this world.
Acts 4:32-35(CSB)
Now the entire group of those who believed were of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but instead they held everything in common. With great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was on all of them.
For there was not a needy person among them because all those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the proceeds of what was sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet. This was then distributed to each person as any had need.
This is Day 23 of the Five Minute Friday 31 Days of Free Writes. The word prompt is common.
To read the other posts in this series click on: 31 Days of Encouragement.
I’m linking up with: #TrekkingThru, #TeaAndWord, #TellHisStory
Gods love is the best!
Amen! Blessings to you, Tara! xo
Thank you for your words today!!!
You’re welcome, Tammy! Thanks for stopping by. Blessings to you!
Dear Gayl,
This is such a beautiful word from the Lord. He has given us such common ground as we are all here in His world. And His love goes out for all! May I live my days with these thoughts in your poem, longing for His harmony and unity to be lifted up through praise given to Him! Blessings, love, and hugs to you Dear Sister/Poet/Friend! xoxo
Dear Bettie,
Thank you! May we all long for His harmony and seek to find unity. Thank you for all you do to enrich the lives of others, dear Bettie. Blessings, love and hugs to you! xoxo
Good thoughts, Gayl! I especially love your poetic prayer and these reassuring words: “My life doesn’t have to be perfect in order to help someone else.” Amen! Praise God for using us in our broken, incomplete, imperfect state. Love and hugs! xoxo 💜
Thank you, Joy. I’m glad God uses us through our weaknesses to encourage each other. Blessings, love and hugs! xoxo
This is always a great question to ask ourselves: “Will I show my irritation or will I respond lovingly and patiently?” I don’t always like how I answer in actuality.
Yes, Lisa, I don’t always like my answer either. With God’s help we can answer lovingly. Blessings to you!
Beautiful, Gayl! <3
Thanks so much, Bette! Blessings! xo
I really love the words from Acts 4 that you shared. It portrays such a beautiful example of true community. Blessings!
Yes, Mary, I agree. Thanks for visiting. Blessings to you!