By DOUG South |
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A CRITICAL HEART AND MIND we spend our time in
DO chapter life or even in daily life looking for things to criticize ? Does this help our chapters grow , or does it cause the opposite to happen ? When visitors come to our chapter , will they instantly feel love in the room , or will they feel the critical spirit looking for faults in others ? The fix for our critical hearts and minds is love ! The Bible reads in 1 Peter 4:8 ( NKJV ), β And above all things have fervent love for one another , for β love will cover a multitude of sins .ββ Again , in Proverbs 10:12 ( NKJV ), β Hatred stirs up strife , But love covers all sins .β Sometimes , it only takes a couple of people in the chapter to bring the entire group up with their love and excitement . On the contrary , it might only take a few people being critical and grumbling to bring a chapter down and keep it from growing .
I was at a state rally a couple of months ago and I heard a message on agape love . As I listened to the message and agape love was taught , it really hit home why this love is so important . In the Bible , agape is often used to describe God β s love for humanity . It β s a love that β s not about feeling good or
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being attracted to someone ; it β s about a commitment to the wellbeing of others . It β s the kind of love that challenges us to be better humans , to look beyond our own needs and desires , and to engage in acts of kindness .
Philippians 2:1-4 ( NKJV ) gives us directions to follow , β Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ , if any comfort of love , if any fellowship of the Spirit , if any affection and mercy , fulfill my joy by being like-minded , having the same love , being of one accord , of one mind . Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit , but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself . Let each of you look out not only for his own interests , but also for the interests of others .β This selfless love reflects divine love . God β s love for us is the epitome of agape β unconditional , selfless , and enduring . It β s a love that values us so highly that it led to the ultimate sacrifice . And in turn , we β re called to love others similarly , putting their needs and interests above our own .
Because agape love transforms , it β s a love that breaks down barriers , heals divisions , and creates a sense of community where there was once only conflict . It β s the love
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that says , β I choose to care , even when it β s hard , even when it doesn β t make sense .β And in making that choice , we don β t just change the dynamics of a relationship ; we change the dynamics of our inner lives . We become conduits of grace , and agents of change when living out this powerful love . Love that asks for nothing and gives everything values others above ourselves and dares us to be more compassionate , selfless , and loving .
In a nutshell , I believe our chapters and lives need to be a hub of love , excitement for ministry , fellowship , and joy . Even in my own heart , I struggle with these very things . May our hearts and minds be blessed as we practice living a life of agape love and put away any critical spirit . May your chapters flourish and grow as we grow closer to Jesus .
I pray Psalm 51:10-12 ( NKJV ), β Create in me a clean heart , O God , And renew a steadfast spirit within me . Do not cast me away from Your presence , And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me . Restore to me the joy of Your salvation , And uphold me by Your generous Spirit .β CMA
Doug and Terri South oversee the West Region as National
Evangelist .
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09βͺNOVEMBER 2024βͺwww . cmausa . org |