If Christmas could be summed up in one word, I think it would be love. Love shown by a baby that came down from heaven to change us forever. (The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. John 1:14)
As we think about love it’s easy to think about loving those who love us. It’s easy to love people who think like us or act like us.
But what about the people who are different than us, the people who are not kind to us? True love is demonstrated when we show love to those who haven’t acted so lovely.
“We love because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19 NIV
Rick Warren, the pastor of Saddleback church says, We were created in God’s image to do two things on Earth: Learn to love God and learn to love other people. Life is all about love.
This Christmas give the gift of love…to a prodigal child…to an estranged relative….to someone who has treated you unkind.
Let’s strive to love like Christ this Christmas season!
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13
It wouldn’t be Christmas for me without O Holy Night. Enjoy!
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I’m sorry for your hurt. I’ve experienced it as well in different situations but just this morning as I was praying on the way to work about a situation, I felt God gently tap me and tell me that He has given me just one task – to love this person…love, love, love and He will take care of the rest. It’s hard to do. It’s hard to learn. But with His help and His grace, we can do it! Love and remove yourself if you can but keep on loving in your heart as best as possible and when you think you just can’t do it anymore, give it over to Him and let Him just do it for you! Nothing is impossible with God. Brush your hands together as if brushing off dirt and say “I’m done. You’ve got to take it, Lord.” But this is real stuff and it’s hard. I’m not making light of it. I will pray for you also!
It is surprising to me (though it should not be) that so many of us go through the same things — loss of a friend, family members who disappoint us, people behaving badly. Although I am sorry that there is so much of this pain in the world, it is a comfort to know others are struggling through the same issues. Thanks to all for sharing.
That is my goal for the coming year starting last week! Not easy as my unlovable person is my husband. I am confronted with it daily. I know I can’t change him but have to change my attitude towards him. A book was recommended to me “The Power of a Praying Wife by S. Omartian. Along with book and prayer I hope things will change in 2017. I have FAITH they will change. Thanks, Cyndi for sharing with us Dailey.
Mary W: I have a lot of the “Power of a Praying…..” by S. Omartian. It’s absolutely amazing how when we start praying deeper (as her books shows us) that things start changing. Sometimes it may even be us that changes but the real issue is that God starts changing things! I read Power of Praying for Your Adult Children all the time. This is a great book. I pray things will begin changing for you and God can change your husband’s heart as well. Praying for you…………..
Thank you, Deanna for the encouraging words & prayer.
Your words were very inspiring today and I needed to hear them. Thank you.
oh Cyndi…I needed this!!! I have wanted to give up on a family member that is treating us terribly but you are encouraging me to keep loving on them thank you so much,,,thank you for showing us through your pain to keep loving them
Cyndi, I really enjoy your blog – both for the classy fashion tips and the spiritual words. I’ve recently experienced some unkind behavior by people I care about, and it has been difficult to respond with loving actions. But your words today made me think hard about this situation and realize that loving them back is what God wants. Thank you for sharing, and thanks for all the work you do each day to bring light into our lives!
the love topic is quite on target for our household today. My hsb and another gentleman from our church take the message to the public several early AM,s/week. Before they go out they meet for a cup of coffee and some prayer for what they are about to do. On Friday while they were praying a homeless woman entered the diner and she had such a pungent odor that my hsb who was a plumber on a troop transport ship had to move out. well, this am he woke up with the words of Jesus “when you do this to the least of these , you do it unto me”/He was so convicted that he went back to the spot where he and his friend have coffee and there was the homeless woman. He asked her what she would like for breakfast and the look on her face was priceless. I am so blessed to live with this man with such a conviction for the Lord. Merry Christmas. ( oh yes he does do some irritating things now and again, don’t we all )
Thank you for your post dear Cyndi! I always come back to what my grandma taught me… in your life you will be blessed if you have a handful of TRUE friends. It is those very few who truly accept us where we are and stay true. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Thank you for this. You can never know how close to home this hit.
Cindy,
I have found out that jealousy among “Christians” is quite common. But when a true sister in Christ or friend is REAL and genuine, there is no room for that. I have struggled with friendships in my adult years like never before.
You are beautiful, genuine, transparent, and being the best you that you know how to be—you wouldn’t believe how that intimidates those that think your life is a piece of cake. I love you and can feel your pain.
Focus on Jesus (preaching to myself), and just say His name when you’re feeling Datand condemnation.
Cyndi,
Your post touched my heart. As I also lost what I thought was a dear friend. God sometimes has other plans for us and with this loss and the time building up to it, now I see what I believe God was trying to show me for quite some time. I believe God weaves people in and out of our lives for reasons. Maybe to grow us in different ways, I don’t know but I do know that His love is all I need. Merry Christmas to you and your family!!
Thanks for sharing the beautiful message and the beautiful version of O’ Holy Night.
I am trying to be at peace with the loss of my husband. I take comfort knowing who he’s wih. There is a wonderful song by Craig Aven-“With the Son of God” that brings me comfort.
Blessings to you, and your family Cyndi.
*Who he’s with*
I just prayed for you dear lady.
Thank you Sandra. Prayers are much needed and much appreciated.
Never apologize for telling us how you feel in your heart, there are so many times I take what you say and your quote. They have so much meaning to my life or if a have a bad day there’s things that really helps me. So thank you so much..
LOVE THIS VIDEO AND VERSION OF THIS SONG!
They are from MN my home state!
Your message hit home.
Merry Blessed Christmas to you and your family!
It is always touching and meaningful when you open up your heart to us a little. It is amazing how the little things that we think ‘only me’ actually affect so many people.
Thank you Cyndi! Your message prompted me to mail two Christmas cards to family members this morning my husband and I have been on the outs with. Thank you!
That is awesome!
Oh my goodness this post is simply beautiful! This is not an easy world to choose the path of grace and mercy and unconditional love, and your post is such a precious reminder of loving like God loves 🙂 Thank you for that truly wonderful encouragement! You are such a treasure, I imagine all Heaven smiling when they see you pick up your laptop to share love and light despite the wounds you’ve endured! Merry Christmas, Cyndi!
I’m sorry about your loss of a friend. This happened to me this year, too. I don’t think we expect it when we’re older. On the bright side, the loss for me has created space to become even closer to a few other friends who feel the same way about me. In a way, the “loss” is a breath of fresh air. Merry Christmas, Cyndi!
Dear Cyndi,
My best friend of 10 years had a stroke this past year and she hasn’t been the same since. She’s cut me out of her life and is no longer speaking to me. I’ve been very depressed about this but I still love and support her. I’ve resolved to cultivate new friendships in 2017 and I’ve already met some wonderful ladies in our church.
Blessings to you and your family!
Dear Cyndi,
I was raised in a pastors home and when I became an adult PK, my sweet Mom confided in me how difficult it sometimes is for Pastor’s wives to have and to be a friend. It was challenging for her and not without some heartache but she always tried to extend love and grace. The life of a Pastor’s wife can very lonely at times even though they are always with people. I would encourage all of as women to hug our Pastor’s wife often and to allow her to have a few exceptionally best friends within her congregation. She needs that special friend who sticks closer than a sister. Merry Christmas to you Cyndi and may God bless your heart with His love.
The video was WONDERFUL, thank you for sharing.
I would like to share what kind of love I witnessed this morning at church! A lady from the church coaches an 8th grade basketball team at the local school. She asked them if they wanted a gift exchange or would they rather help a family in need. It was unanimous, they all wanted to help the needy family. The boys came to church this morning with her (some of their parents also came) and the pastor allowed them to share with us . A free will offering was given in the amount of $650 from our small country church. Our little Methodist church which is around 150 years old with a small congregation of 125 max sure is sharing with their love! I praise God that people were so generous! I have been reading your blog for about 6 months and enjoy your it, but especially the inspirational and encouraging notes each day.
Great words today I love them. I am sorry you hard a hard time with friendship this year. After my car accident 3 years ago and living with a traumatic brain injury I lost 2 friends whom I thought were close friends. My doctor said prior to the brain injury I was probably a door mat and after my TBI, I am a stronger woman and they couldn’t use me now. It hurts but it has taught me great lessons.
Dear Cyndi, I am relatively new to your site. The 2 Seasons led me here. My 63 yr old husband passed unexpectedly in Nov. I am so sad. Your posts are helping me. Thank you so much for your messages. We included 1 Corinthians in his funeral because YES , love is all there is!
I am so sorry for your loss. I can not imagine life without my husband, but know it will probably happen. We both have often said, we wish we could go together. I pray that God will give you the strength through this difficult time. If you are not a church goer, I would advise you to seek out a loving church to attend. Too many people forget how lonely it can be for us who have lost our loved ones! May God bless you!
You will see your dear husband again! I am truly sorry for your loss, and I can tell just by your comment the joy you brought to him. You are in my prayers for our Saviours perfect comfort..
Keep you heart focused on him, there you will find rest.
He still has a purpose for your life. Trust him, and watch the blessing unfold.
Again I am very sorry for your loss.