To See Others...

Acts 15:8-9, 11 NIV
"God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. He did not discriminate between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith.  ...it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are."

There is no difference in Gods eyes, all who believe are saved, all who believe are equal, brothers and sisters in our Lord Jesus. Sometimes it's hard to view others with equally, the poor, the sick, those that are different; especially when we view them from a distance. But when we get up close, we realize they are people just as we are, they have emotions and loves just as we do, and they may be brothers and sisters in Christ, just a we are. This is why we need to go for Jesus, to help the needy, to experience those that are different from us. God will change us when we do.

Lord, help me to honor you by honoring those that you but in my path. To see others as your children, as my brothers and sisters, or potential brothers and sisters in you.Lord, may my heart be changed fully for you, and may your kingdom be changed in some small way because of what you do through me. To you my Lord and my Savior be they glory.

Love - How men can be successful in relationships - part 1 - Steve Komanapolli - 2011/4/2

1 Cor 13: 8 - love never fails

There are four aspects of genuine love from 1 Cor 13: 7
1) Protect the dignity of others.  Like the roof of a house, it always covers and protects.  Two ways: minimize their mistakes. "Love covers all"  1 Peter 4:8. Refuse to giusto.

2) Trust others again. This is what  Jesus does for me. Dont be so quick to judge. Who do you need to show trust again? Forgiveness is instant, trust is developed ober time. Be ready to trust again. When someone believes in you you can do almost anything. As men we want to protect. But we cannot smother, we need to learn to be a good dad, a good father, a good friend.

3) Hope  - I will expect the best of others.  Always encourage the best from my kids,  my wife, my friends. Treat others how you want them to become. My wife is described in Genesis 2 as "helper"; not someone to be my maid, but someone who would come to my rescue (same word used to describe Jesus). Tell he wife what she does well, use her as part of all my decisions.

4) Persevere - I will ensure peoples hurts. Love is willing to make a commitment. Uncommitted love is cheap, not worthwhile.  Love doesn't give up on people. Become a refrain of loving men.

Discussion insight - Rather that set my goals for my boys, let them set their goals; as long as they do their best.