Continuing on with the thoughts of the last blog, how is it that we work to perfect ourselves? We have been given suggestions of methods to use, but what exactly is it that we are trying to perfect ourselves in doing or being? What is the greatest commandment upon which hangs all the law and the prophets? It has been said, "God is love." Russ and I have done quite a bit of reading on near death experiences. Most people who have clinically died and recount their experiences "on the other side of the veil" will describe a feeling of intense love and acceptance, often with a desire to improve themselves once returned to mortal life. Here among worldly people, love can often have many connotations. How is it that God loves and wants us to love?
We can start by figuring out what God's love isn't. It is not the "love" that causes shivering or squealing: the love of chocolate, the Beatles, George Clooney, sports cars, sports teams, or sports or entertainment in general! It is not the possessive love that feeds our pride: dressing up our child or pet so others can ooh and aah and remark how beautiful they are, the winning of an award or promotion by someone close to us that reflects a bit of success on our behalf as well, the attention and "ownership" of anyone or anything. It is not the love that causes a surge of adrenalin: riding a motorcycle or roller coaster or going through a haunted house or reading or watching a thriller, the climax or stimulation related to sex, the anticipation of excitement about an event like a trip or party.
When we feel a gentle satisfaction watching a beautiful sunset/sunrise, or the sweet feeling that brings a little smile when gazing at an innocent, pure child, or the glow from having just completed a good work even if no one else knows- then we are getting close to the kind of love God feels and wants us to feel. In the scriptures it says that charity is the pure love of Christ and without charity we are nothing. None of us will ever have the opportunity to atone for anyone else as Christ did by giving up our life. But we can sacrifice or at least be truly willing to do so when given the opportunity. Mothers sacrifice all the time: they sacrifice sleep to care for an infant or sick child or teenager not yet in at curfew, they sacrifice eating by serving others first, they sacrifice time all day every day when they perform household duties with no pay expected (but gratitude yearned for and appreciated when it comes). Fathers sacrifice: they may also give up sleep to care for children and to rise early to go to work even if the rest of the household is still warm in bed, they suffer miserable work conditions or the demeaning feelings of having to prove themselves to someone else in order to earn money that is used to feed, clothe, shelter, transport, and please their family, they sacrifice time to coach Little League or go on Scout camping trips or run other errands. Neighbors sacrifice if they tolerate without complaining when they miss sleep because there is a wedding or graduation party going on next door that stays a little too loud a little too late, or they notice the lawn next door hasn't been mowed because of old age or illness and they go over and mow, or they offer childcare when there is an emergency in the family next door. Any time we perform a service simply because we see a need and/or want to help, that is evidence of sacrificial love- only as we expect nothing in return. Any time we decide to be patient when the person in line ahead of us is searching for their credit card or counting their money and we feel understanding of their plight, we are feeling love. Any time we withstand the mockery or criticism of someone else without getting angry or holding a grudge, we are feeling love. "Love your enemy, pray for those who despitefully use you." We may not have that as our instant reaction.............yet. But what matters is that we acknowledge that things are more pleasant when we are more pleasant. We repent- meaning being aware of a need to change and a determination to make that change even if we have to resolve over and over again- and bite our tongue, keep our mouth shut, ponder in our hearts how to react peacefully, and pray for help to be kinder. We can strive to be perfect in love and thereby become more Christlike. We can do this!
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