A License To Love

Galatians 5:13 - For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters.  But don't use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature.  Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.

Paul's reminder that Jesus didn't come to set us free so that we could act like fools is exactly what I needed to hear today.  Jesus came to set us free so that we could let go of our sinful nature and love each other like He loves us.  He gave us a license to love.

I remember a scene in some movie I saw a while back.  Some lady got upset and started yelling and cussing at someone.  The guy with her told her she shouldn't be talking like that because she was a Christian.  She looked around and said it was okay because no one from her church was there.  But there was - Jesus Christ was there.  He didn't save her so she could go off on someone like that when they pushed her buttons.  He did it so she could show them the love of Jesus.  Having the mentality of, "Well I've been saved, and I know Jesus will forgive me," is the absolute wrong way of thinking.  Jesus didn't give us a license to steal His blessings, but a license to love His people.

It has been a very trying past couple of weeks for me at work.  I have been getting my buttons pushed regularly by people that seem to enjoy seeing how far they can go and how much they can get away with, without any consequences.  I am a Supervisor, but I am not their Supervisor, so I can't discipline them.  It has been so tough to hold back from giving back what has been coming from them.  Needless to say, I have been doing a lot of praying these last couple of weeks.  Coming across this passage reminds me why I don't lose my temper and control with them.  Jesus didn't give me a license to yell, He gave me a license to love.  Feeling His reassuring strength has kept me calm and focused.

Dear Lord, thank You for blessing me with calm and with Your love.  It has been so difficult the last couple of weeks, but I know and trust that You are with me and You will bless me when I respond properly - in love.  Thank You, not for calming the storm raging outside, but the one inside of me that wants to lash out.  Please continue to guide and strengthen me during this (and all) time.  In Jesus' name, Amen!



God Bless!!!