Garden of your heart

"Beloved, if God so loved us,

we also ought to love one another."  I John 4:11

This week I have been thinking about this.  I have someone in my life that is "difficult" to love.  Someone who I have felt as if I have shown love in so many ways, but the door has been closed.  I had a conversation with this person and this person said that they felt as I didn't love them.  I was dumbfounded!  Then  as I was reflecting on this, I realized that maybe the ways that I showed love weren't the things that meant much to this person.  Have you ever read the book "The Five Love Languages" by Gary Chapman.  It talks about how people receive love  1.  Acts of Service  2.  Physical touch  3.  Quality time  4.  Receiving Gifts   5.   Words of Affirmation       I know "act of service" are important to this person.  When I get busy and haven't had time to do these things, this person gets really hurt. 

So, what am I saying here?  When we love we need to be sure to reach the person with our love.  We can do all sorts of things, say all sorts of things, give all sorts of things, but if that doesn't mean anything to them, we need to make the effort to find out what will.  I Peter says that we are to love one another deeply.  This takes time and effort.  It may even take more effort to love those who we consider "more difficult" in our lives, but that doesn't mean that we should love them any less.  Matter of fact, Jesus even says that we are to love our enemies.  So.....today, let's love others to the full extent as God loves us!  If we are doing this, love can break down any wall!

Thank you!

06:16, Tuesday, November 27, 2007 .. Posted by megroocam

What a wonderful blog today. I am new here but I've been browsing the blogs trying to get to know people and what this is all about. What an encouragement you are today. I, too, have a couple of people who are so very hard to love. I've often wondered if it isn't an underlying attitude on my part. They have a hard time getting along with anyone so I use that as my excuse. But, your encouraging words have stretched me--thank you for being so honest. I will pray for you in regards to your endeavor to show God's love to this person. The reality is, they probably don't have things straight with God so are miserable deep down. I've been there, and hard to get along with. I'm thankful for the grace that was bestowed upon me during those times.

Greetings..

06:31, Tuesday, November 27, 2007 .. Posted by Cindylee

I'm also hopping around trying to figure this blogging thing out, and happened to pop onto your blog. Your blog is a good reminder for me, to stop and pray....asking how I can show this person of mine that I love him. I try and try, but usually I get frustrated with the failed attempt, then I'm afraid I get an attitude that isn't right before God. It was a good post for me to hop onto..Thanks! Cindylee

So true....

11:09, Tuesday, November 27, 2007 .. Posted by hcorbin

but hard to do! I just can't figure out what my "difficult" person's love language is..... usually I can tell by watching how they express love to others, but with this person I don't really see her reaching out with love for others.... she is very self focused and introverted.....If I had to guess it is "words".... but speaking love for her is hard for me..... I guess I need to grow and be a vessel of God.... swallow my pride and my hurts and just love! hmmmmm thanks.. I think :) !!
Heather

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01:50, Tuesday, November 27, 2007 .. Posted by Deblyn

Heather, that is a good point. I have had someone like that too in my life. It can be so hard! How about just a kind note to the person! That way it isn't a conversation, but still a kind note. :) Some people however, I do believe, will remain difficult to love, but that doesn't change the fact that we are called to love them! Just keep doing your part. It says in scripture that as long as it is up to you live at peace with everyone....we can't control the other's responses! (((hugs)))