"Love is never wasted, for its value does not rest on reciprocity" - C.S. Lewis
This was the main caption to a picture I posted last week. But oh how does it ring even more true today for me.
I went on in the post talking about what our Pastor spoke about that Sunday morning, and now it ties into my daily devotional and also what's going on in my life. And if I haven't said it enough - the hard and unfortunate things that have happened in my life are there for me to help others along their journey that may be like mine, to be an example for someone.
Jesus wants us to love everyone just as he loves us, no matter the hurt or happiness others show to you, love them anyway. And love yourself, because God loves you. And as our lives are filled with struggle, mediocrity, and the unknown of tomorrow and the distant future, remember that God wants you to have an abundant life. So love your life -- show it, and mean it. Do what you want in your life, not to make others happy, but to make God happy, He is the only one that matters in the end. And if you make God happy, you will be happy, and those that love you will also be happy.
1 Timothy 6:17 says God "richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment"
There are studies that show when people have more joy, we are more productive. We also have more energy and creativity. So how do we keep our joy, or get it back if we've lost it? Easier said than done if I just reference my second paragraph and say "love your life." Sometimes that's hard to do every single second. It's hard for me, as a young widow with my 'life taken away from me' or 'my plans and dreams are all gone now.' (Sometimes I get super dramatic). My life isn't gone. My life as I had planned it is not going to work out. God knew all along what would happen (I'll get into that another day, as to 'why God?'). And He has a plan for me - to have joy. Getting your joy back, or keeping your joy can mean so many things to so many people, here are some thoughts from my daily devotional (Recovering Your Joy, by Rick Warren, on the YouVersion Bible app) and thoughts from myself.
1. Abandon your regrets of your past. Jesus came to cover our sins, God doesn't remember our regrets, our guilty past issues if we ask for forgiveness. If God does that, do it for yourself also.
2. Omit all worries about your future. [This one is my favorite (not)]. I am a planner, so if my plans are not going how I want them to, I get worried, anxious, mad, sad, you name it. But God tells us to pray about everything and not worry, because he will take care of us. If he takes care of the birds, how much more does he love us, so that he will take even better care of us? (Philippians 4:6 and Matthew 6:26-34).
3. Give yourself to God's purpose. There is a reason we are all here on Earth, that God gives us this short little life before eternity. He has a purpose for each and every person. Some choose to listen and follow, and some don't. If you don't know your purpose, I suggest reading some devotional plans about purpose, and also some Enneagram teachings tie into gifts in the Bible, it can help you learn more about yourself, your personality, and what you can do for others based on those insights.
Back to my first quote - "Love is never wasted, for its value does not rest on reciprocity"
Even if you love someone and they don't love you back. Or they don't love you back with the same deep level of love that you've given them, that doesn't matter. Society tells us (mostly in romantic relationships, also friendships) that if someone doesn't care about you, then forget them, lose them, don't worry about them. I'm not saying that isn't true in some situations - there's a line of letting people walk all over you and you letting them - but for the most part, love as much as you want. We are to love and care about others like Jesus loves us. It is not wasted. You can plant a seed, show unconditional love, forgiveness, and help, even if this relationship doesn't work out in the long run. You are put in people's lives by God's plan - show love, do what you are supposed to do for that person, be the joy in their life that God wants them to see.
Have joy, love people, live out your purpose - none of this is wasted.
Love,
Christine
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