Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening]. I Corinthians 13:7 (Amplified Bible)
You know, our actions don’t change until our minds change. In other words, doing (whatever that might be — good or bad) is produced through what we think about, how we think and where our heart dwells. And when it comes to how we relate to others, it’s critical that our lives reflect the mind of Christ in our obedience to Him in all things. When we let down the guard of our hearts we allow Satan to gain a stronghold on what we think of others . . . it replaces love, faith and trust with suspicion.
Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” The root to the spring of joy in our lives bubbles-up from within our heart. The lack of faith, the absence of trust and false-love destroy relationships, but truth and faith — the essence of love, brings joy to our lives.
But it begins not in the heart, but instead in the mind. This is why God calls us to the renewal of our mind. To do this we must learn more about God’s Word. Study it, meditate on it!
Love is believing the best in others regardless of the circumstances. When we choose to no longer believe the best in someone, suspicion grows strong. It’s Satan’s preferred garden of weeds! If allowed to grow, they will destroy a garden and choke off the beauty and splendor that it is fully capable of producing. It may not always feel right because man enjoys being critical of others, but God’s way is to not judge others or become critical and suspicious of their ways.
Our most important relationship is the one we have with God the Father. It is in Him alone that we need to place our trust — not others. And with a balanced attitude, a guarded heart and a renewing mind, God’s love in us will flow like a spring. When this happens, the beauty and splendor of the garden of our hearts and minds will pop with full-color . . . weed-free!
Lord Jesus, this is a lesson for today and everyday! I only wish I’d learned it sooner. Regardless, teach me to trust when it doesn’t feel right and give me discernment and wisdom to recognize when you are trying to show me the truth.
A wise man’s heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction. Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the sould and healing to the bone. Proverbs 16:23-24