GRACELAND at CHRISTmas GRACELAND at CHRISTmas
During a devotional session at a conference, our leader asked us to read aloud 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, and substitute the word “Jesus” for “love.” It seemed so natural to say, “Jesus suffers long and is kind; Jesus does not envy; Jesus does not parade Himself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek His own . . . . Jesus never fails.”
Then our leader said, “Read the passage aloud and say your name instead of Jesus.” We laughed nervously at the suggestion. “I want you to begin now,” the leader said. Quietly, haltingly I said the words that felt so untrue: “David does not seek his own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. David never fails.”
The exercise caused me to ask, “How am I hindering God from expressing His love through me?” Do I think that other expressions of faith are more important? Paul declared that from God’s perspective, eloquent speech, deep spiritual understanding, lavish generosity, and self-sacrifice are worthless when not accompanied by love (vv.1-3).
God longs to express His great heart of love for others through us. Will we allow Him to do it?
Speaking of tears, Gail, Blue Christmas always gets to me. The tears do fall.....it makes me know how much I miss my husband. He loved the Christmas season so much and made it fun for everyone. My sons and I have been talking about ‘Daddy’ a lot this week. We get along well except for these holidays. We all do very well though and have fun as we know he would be doing the same thing.
Very pretty graphic of Graceland all decorated, Luv! And the music with Reba McEntire and Andrea Bocelli was great! Never heard them sing together before! Thank you!
