United lUtheran Church - Pastor's Page

Pastor Mike's Page

THE GREATEST GIFT

"LOVE IS PATIENT; LOVE IS KIND; LOVE IS NOT ENVIOUS OR BOASTFUL OR ARROGANT OR RUDE. IT DOES NOT INSIST ON ITS OWN WAY; IT IS NOT IRRITABLE OR RESENTFUL; IT DOES NOT REJOICE IN WRONG DOING, BUT REJOICES IN THE TRUTH. IT BEARS ALL THINGS, BELIEVES ALL THINGS, HOPES ALL THINGS, ENDURES ALL THINGS. LOVE NEVER ENDS." (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)

As you love and are loved by someone, then it is likely that you feel pushed or pulled by that person at times. Perhaps they expect something from you that you don't feel capable of providing. Maybe they occasionally criticize you so that you don't feel quite accepted by them. Maybe you need something you're not getting. This make you feel hurt and angry. it makes life more difficult and less rewarding that it could be. Whether you realize it or not, this is an opportunity for both of you. Your loved one is testing your boundaries, pressing you to open up to them, chipping away at your resistance to change.

Each of us has a choice. We can see it as their problem and resent their demands or you can look at yourself and see if there is a need for you to grow. We all have room to improve. Love will challenge you to do what you thought you could never do before. If it weren't for love it wouldn't matter. You could just walk away.

Love doesn't require that you sell yourself out, but love does require that you allow yourself to be affected. Love requires your presence as a person. The next time your loved one challenges you, try asking yourself if there's a lesson in it for you. When you're up against your own limits you might be able to see beyond them.

The greatest gift each of us has is God's love in Christ Jesus our Lord and our ability to love. Open your life each day to be a vehicle of that precious gift.

Pastor Mike

UNITED LUTHERAN CHURCH 506 Superior Ave. - Crystal Falls, Michigan 49920 - Phone 906-875-6591 unitedluth@up.net