Monday, July 27, 2020

Reflection - Spiritual Journey - Becoming Loving

Source (book): "Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, PART I: SPIRITUAL JOURNEY, Chapter 9, "Becoming Loving", Question 1, Page 58.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012

 

Do you agree that love is often a verb?
PHOTO: Do you agree that love is often a verb?
Love is not just a sentimental feeling that we profess to God when we sing or worship. It is far deeper than that. Some have pointed out that love should be considered a verb - in that it is always expressed in action - and there is truth in that understanding. If we say we love God, it is best expressed in our submission and obedience to God.


Make a list of how love acts in daily life.
Listen. Put down what we’re doing for a moment and give others our full attention. It actually means taking notice of and acting on what someone says. It could be a more meaningful respond to advice or a request.

Make a love potion. Waking up earlier and making a cup of hot milk for others helps to refresh sleepy heads. It not only warm their bodies but also their hearts.

Waking people up for work or appointments. It is a kind of preventative medicine. Being able to wake up on time to prepare for work successfully can prevent unnecessary rushing, and being late.

Wish other good morning and good night
. This make us feel more joyful and satisfied with our lives. It also helps us deal with the tougher times by promoting connection and communication.

Try and model a loving acceptance in our interactions with the wider world. We could feel really angry when people push in front of us, but we could calmed down and tell ourselves that they might have had things on their mind or been in a real hurry to get somewhere. Making small conversations build warmer relationships. ‘How was your last hospital’s appointment?’ gives a sense of intimate involvement especially to the elderly.

Praying for others in Jesus name. "You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it." (John 14:14). We can't solve all problems by ourself. We will need help from Him who will do it on our behalf. It will be an act of love to those we pray for God's help, through Jesus Christ. When we ask in His name, the Father is also glorified in the Son.

Look after ourself. Keep healthy during old age can be translated as not being a burden to others. Being considerate and not troubling others will not scare others from having a relationship with us. Also morning walking and exercises enable our bodies to generate endorphins. Since endorphins act on the opiate receptors in our brains, they reduce pain and boost pleasure, resulting in a feeling of well-being.


What personal implications are there for you?

Love is central in our understanding of God, for we read in Scripture that God is love (1 John 4:8). God has poured this divine love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5), even as we repent and place our trust in Christ for our salvation. Because God has first loved us, we are able to love Him and others (1 John 4:19). This God given love has both vertical (towards God) and horizontal (towards others) dimensions.

The horizontal implications of love is if we really love God, we will also love those around us. The apostle John noted the strong connection between love for God and others. He challenged his readers, "Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar" (1 John 4:20). The apostle James calls this other-directed love the "royal law" (James 2:8), and the apostle Paul says it sums up the entire law (Romans 13:9; Galatians 5:14).

What does this love for others look like? We have many descriptions in the Bible, the most famous being Paul's great portrayal of love in 1 Corinthians 13. There, we read what love is not and what it is. Love is not self-centred. It is not boastful, proud, envious, revengeful, rude, or easily angered; it does not keep grudges or delight in evil. Instead, love aims for the good of others. It is kind, patient, and forgiving, always full of trust and hope; it therefore perseveres and will never fail.

Augustine in the fifth century described love this way: "What does love look like? It has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. It has the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men. That is what love looks like." I would add, "That is what Christ looks like."

The Christian who grows in love will look more and more like Christ. He will have the eyes of Christ, who says to us, "I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest" (John 4:35). We need to see others as Jesus saw the
m (
Matthew 9:36): harassed (no rest), helpless (no power), and like sheep without a shepherd (no guidance).

We also need to have the ears of Jesus to hear the cries of the needy (Mark 10:47-49) and the heart of Jesus to see others with compassion (Matthew 9:36). We are, in the words of C.S. Lewis, "little Christ" who show Him to others in how we relate with them.

We do not need to wait till we feel love, for love is more than an emotion; it is a commitment rooted in Christ. In his book Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis wrote, "Do not waste your time bothering whether you 'love' your neighbour; act as if you did. As soon as we do this, we find one of the great secrets. When you are behaving as if you love someone, you will presently come to love him. If you injure someone you dislike, you will find yourself disliking him more. If you do him a good turn, you will find yourself disliking him less." Such love is divine in origin and is marked by selfless sacrifice and self-giving love.

There are people who need our love as we grow in Christ. We need to realise that old age is "not a punishment but a privilege" and see beyond our own needs." When we do this, we may notice that there are people around us who will appreciate our caring concern for them.

 
Mamie Adams always went a branch post office in her town because the postal employees there were friendly. She went there to buy stamps just before Christmas one year and the lines were particularly long. Someone pointed out that there was no need to wait in line because there was a stamp machine in the lobby. "I know," said Mamie, "but the machine won't ask me about my arthritis."


Is there not a message for all of us here?

Artist Dona Gelsinger
Picture posted by Matrioshka on Wednesday, 03 September 2014 at 19:14

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZhJ9XLUm8zD3EJMwoN8fJ1t3eK0tGXrHx2g03MB1TF5RWIndz89jbJKGrXOKGDyQrLKHoe-fF7jFpfQPelrr0nIsYwlpnMu7DY7oWVoKUYvKdt3dv-sz8nBqlUBtn4lMFWyERAOBSMKI/s1600/Christmas-Blessings-Red-Dress.png
https://img-fotki.yandex.ru/get/6806/86441892.7f6/0_fec34_d453c50c_orig.png
https://www.liveinternet.ru/users/4968747/post335804007/



Dr Lewis Sperry, 19th century American theologian, was praying with his colleague, renowned Bible teacher Dr Harry Ironside, one day when he was startled to hear Ironside pray, "Lord, keep me from turning out to be a mean old man." Perhaps Ironside was aware of how the difficulties and complexities of ageing could make one deteriorate into irritability. God obviously answered his prayer because not only was he a kind and gracious man, he steadily remained so as he advanced in years. [33] Instead of prickliness, he was noted for his gentleness.



Lewis Sperry Chafer
PHOTO: Lewis Sperry Chafer
Picture posted by Nisha Rathode (Editor) on 23 March 2018

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwR3m_CFBjujOUR31o4TAqPC8QORnll56wLaeLVgbewg4pOSrzv7k2G5kkpv4jAy0k8gsc-w3AxolMW_GAvtBElqz-UTtaXrNi_0oayVNHevl6tqIdTa40Ici4Ij6jWNoex2caYKlj6XQ/s1600/lewis-sperry-chafer-0fa98a8a_750.jpg

https://alchetron.com/Lewis-Sperry-Chafer


Do you agree that love is often a verb? Make a list of how love acts in daily life. What personal implications are there for you?

Do you agree that love is often a verb?
[1]
Love is not just a sentimental feeling that we profess to God when we sing or worship. It is far deeper than that. Some have pointed out that love should be considered a verb - in that it is always expressed in action - and there is truth in that understanding. [34] If we say we love God, it is best expressed in our submission and obedience to God.

 

Love is not just a sentimental feeling that we profess to God when we sing or worship.
PHOTO: Love is not just a sentimental feeling that we profess to God when we sing or worship. It is far deeper than that. Love should be considered a verb - in that it is always expressed in action - and there is truth in that understanding.
Picture saved by Anamarierenault to Love Is

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC29rANtfqxzkVOOTuJnan9xXI59XSMYSUWS4PYiEmUIM2blNvZjwdYWJ11WHNygMBRswEw99O0OOOFu7B1h9XEl3VunxmHAjZCzid2FRz3MxcMc4ILCS7LZre2EXtL4L15IRZi__xTms/s1600/ec0f6921f8f9a924d73400eaf1e6ad77.jpg
https://i.pinimg.com/564x/ec/0f/69/ec0f6921f8f9a924d73400eaf1e6ad77.jpg
https://br.pinterest.com/pin/782570872730263389/



Make a list of how love acts in daily life. [2]
Listen. Put down what we’re doing for a moment and give others our full attention. It actually means taking notice of and acting on what someone says. It could be a more meaningful respond to advice or a request.

Make a love potion. Waking up earlier and making a cup of hot milk for others helps to refresh sleepy heads. It not only warm their bodies but also their hearts.

Waking people up for work or appointments. It is a kind of preventative medicine. Being able to wake up on time to prepare for work successfully can prevent unnecessary rushing, and being late.


Listen - love acts in daily life
Listen - love acts in daily life
PHOTO: Listen - love acts in daily life
Give others our full attention. It actually means taking notice of and acting on what someone says. A more meaningful respond to advice or a request.
Picture posted by preechy
gif file generated by Animated Images Effects Generator at http://www.webestools.com/animated-images-effect-generator-effects-gif-images-picture-blog-gif-fx-images-animated-effect.html
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOmN5mnVx7rTaC2UzFzjB-CrLDTqSl5TmxIypsYxyKAF-Sv-CxiAqNvy6RTbadXetO8rczuhcvibc8u9FeM0s0H_PIBcRM2qLNOwOJkhGGOi0lRoQay2qzgoyu5kWgKLmEvCSgqjDgmNI/s1600/8e18ab68281340979e1b2924ddfb6922_hd.jpg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzmSC2qJ8cT6Whqspb6-X6ShOqNkRPK29F6gZ_uD8AU_Sxc8FmQKrQc_E63dgi9pE0Ah2g52spKNpC87jLYBmLqXvQpdgfzrBqM_oC1XG7Zglaz-lSezmit4XoEXpUMbOqi-rRvOPPoVk/s1600/8e18ab68281340979e1b2924ddfb6922_hd_1.gif
https://imageproxy.viewbook.com/57014/8e18ab68281340979e1b2924ddfb6922_hd.jpg?fit=max&dpr=2.625&w=640
http://www.preechy.com/photo-manipulation



Wish other good morning and good night
. This make us feel more joyful and satisfied with our lives. It also helps us deal with the tougher times by promoting connection and communication.

Try and model a loving acceptance in our interactions with the wider world. We could feel really angry when people push in front of us, but we could calmed down and tell ourselves that they might have had things on their mind or been in a real hurry to get somewhere. Making small conversations build warmer relationships. ‘How was your last hospital’s appointment?’ gives a sense of intimate involvement especially to the elderly.

Praying for others in Jesus name. "You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it." (John 14:14). We can't solve all problems by ourself. We will need help from Him who will do it on our behalf. It will be an act of love to those we pray for God's help, through Jesus Christ. When we ask in His name, the Father is also glorified in the Son.



Praying for others in Jesus name.
PHOTO: Praying for others in Jesus name.
We can't solve all problems by ourself. We will need help from Him who will do it on our behalf. It will be an act of love to those we pray for God's help, through Jesus Christ. When we ask in His name, the Father is also glorified in the Son.
Picture posted by CHRISTIC MEDITATION on Sunday, 07 January 2018

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj73nLQgBsSbutGgWC5TDiMn_TUiWvhH1QMF9kLDRlkNeSbAFIkipo2NfuCj9-G5oOLbTWd5V-B2-Nafyi922OX1SNPbJz_1FvsAUzVQJPMlmjPwzJNT5XMFNXwmOvLOVAigAqiyH8XXHM/s1600/22c7a9cc9c179fe17eb44f7421e7cba9.gif
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgji2d64e2AS8w_dwE9d5_ruYFsTRYmabj3VCCzmRoLX-RIbXj__p-3e-CnNWB9ovN-AiNv8uBQcwisHcWwdvsiD3jaOIKo5OBtime6QNU8nipUoyBYOpNbyNfkt6n5jgRgqvW3K62orKc/s640/22c7a9cc9c179fe17eb44f7421e7cba9.gif
http://meditacaocristica.blogspot.com/2018/01/sim-sim-nao-nao.html



Look after ourself. Keep healthy during old age can be translated as not being a burden to others. Being considerate and not troubling others will not scare others from having a relationship with us. Also morning walking and exercises enable our bodies to generate endorphins. Since endorphins act on the opiate receptors in our brains, they reduce pain and boost pleasure, resulting in a feeling of well-being.



Look after ourself
PHOTO: Look after ourself
Keep healthy during old age can be translated as not being a burden to others. Being considerate and not troubling others will not scare others from having a relationship with us.  Also morning walking and exercises enable our bodies to generate endorphins. Since endorphins act on the opiate receptors in our brains, they reduce pain and boost pleasure, resulting in a feeling of well-being.
Picture posted by Healthfore on 18 September 2013 - Benefits of Walking for the Elderly

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLx9X-IjsrUvm2WaTGr4wdP3FDfhlYFfsTw0R0xPlR9j87aZ2iUx4BgtB-lnuxxxKCCvq6d92gtM2iB3LeIwwidyGJxlL5RhrjfRfAxUMqW5umUUwuw7RjV5x9fMgcEdbmckqiu9lOMGc/s1600/shutterstock_1111742991.jpg
https://healthfore.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/shutterstock_1111742991.jpg
https://healthfore.wordpress.com/2013/09/18/benefits-of-walking-for-the-elderly/


 
What personal implications are there for you?
[1]
Love is central in our understanding of God, for we read in Scripture that God is love (1 John 4:8). God has poured this divine love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5), even as we repent and place our trust in Christ for our salvation. Because God has first loved us, we are able to love Him and others (1 John 4:19). This God given love has both vertical (towards God) and horizontal (towards others) dimensions.

 

God has poured this divine love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5), even as we repent and place our trust in Christ for our salvation.
PHOTO: God has poured this divine love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5), even as we repent and place our trust in Christ for our salvation. Because God has first loved us, we are able to love Him and others (1 John 4:19). This God given love has both vertical (towards God) and horizontal (towards others) dimensions.
Picture saved by Every Day with the King to Bible verses

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkhi3wbnWXy8WEywKCKvb4Q_lJad8iU-OVsmnZBLkUIRXc4uuDjVYA33Wr51dHGwdP4krt7Z5I93rCqQvU3dRX_vxxwAEoEg172T7AH1-JHeUZykGoraGWjfdX6zCUWkYL5bTT8807XDk/s1600/c62ae18eae2a72d36d10ebcf8238f0ce.jpg
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/c6/2a/e1/c62ae18eae2a72d36d10ebcf8238f0ce.jpg
https://www.pinterest.ch/pin/480970435184720155/



The horizontal implications of love is if we really love God, we will also love those around us. The apostle John noted the strong connection between love for God and others. He challenged his readers, "Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar" (1 John 4:20). The apostle James calls this other-directed love the "royal law" (James 2:8), and the apostle Paul says it sums up the entire law (Romans 13:9; Galatians 5:14).

What does this love for others look like? We have many descriptions in the Bible, the most famous being Paul's great portrayal of love in 1 Corinthians 13. There, we read what love is not and what it is. Love is not self-centred. It is not boastful, proud, envious, revengeful, rude, or easily angered; it does not keep grudges or delight in evil. Instead, love aims for the good of others. It is kind, patient, and forgiving, always full of trust and hope; it therefore perseveres and will never fail.

 

The most famous descriptions being Paul's great portrayal of love in 1 Corinthians 13.
PHOTO: The most famous descriptions being Paul's great portrayal of love in 1 Corinthians 13. There, we read what love is not and what it is. Love is not self-centred. It is not boastful, proud, envious, revengeful, rude, or easily angered; it does not keep grudges or delight in evil. Instead, love aims for the good of others. It is kind, patient, and forgiving, always full of trust and hope; it therefore perseveres and will never fail.
Picture saved by Clothed In Scarlet to The Ultimate Christian Marriage Board

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMfDprolwgrhRjTKyO2yrj4KrzHEa_2ScN_ArJOfM0NIvxg5T-nxb6QyxrUdI_wrDnLjBigYiUmPqMcQJGAZW2Z_SvnJ6CEL3-tMqV6kGzF7GTW0b2Y_6zlrb1uuoEd1OVca-STVs24s/s1600/cb6ed4764ee231b7582c32c295ee0fac.jpg
https://i.pinimg.com/564x/cb/6e/d4/cb6ed4764ee231b7582c32c295ee0fac.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/261068109627310480/



Augustine in the fifth century described love this way: "What does love look like? It has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. It has the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men. That is what love looks like." [35] I would add, "That is what Christ looks like."

The Christian who grows in love will look more and more like Christ. He will have the eyes of Christ, who says to us, "I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest" (John 4:35). We need to see others as Jesus saw the
m (
Matthew 9:36): harassed (no rest), helpless (no power), and like sheep without a shepherd (no guidance).
 

The Christian who grows in love will look more and more like Christ.
PHOTO: The Christian who grows in love will look more and more like Christ. We need to see others as Jesus saw them (Matthew 9:36): harassed (no rest), helpless (no power), and like sheep without a shepherd (no guidance).
Picture posted by Reflector Life on 25 March 2020

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0rtGx9bkGl52cPAnYfjdhXS2p5-FR5MWkVHWzvAFnhHgZSVLrxBcBQPNFld1Xiq2xbe5kHqEWo1q71PYGgm_RCDG6RzIfk-KBQjknxKP_AxdEfSoEZ3O5OIU3oUtZ8TrrBnmRj6zMijc/s1600/bekah-russom-Y8QTiWuzYSs-unsplash-scaled.png
https://i1.wp.com/amandaprechel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/bekah-russom-Y8QTiWuzYSs-unsplash-scaled.jpg?resize=1140%2C912&ssl=1
https://amandaprechel.com/tag/human-design/



We also need to have the ears of Jesus to hear the cries of the needy (Mark 10:47-49) and the heart of Jesus to see others with compassion (Matthew 9:36). We are, in the words of C.S. Lewis, "little Christ" [36] who show Him to others in how we relate with them.

We do not need to wait till we feel love, for love is more than an emotion; it is a commitment rooted in Christ. In his book Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis wrote, "Do not waste your time bothering whether you 'love' your neighbour; act as if you did. As soon as we do this, we find one of the great secrets. When you are behaving as if you love someone, you will presently come to love him. If you injure someone you dislike, you will find yourself disliking him more. If you do him a good turn, you will find yourself disliking him less." [37] Such love is divine in origin and is marked by selfless sacrifice and self-giving love.

 

We also need to have the ears of Jesus to hear the cries of the needy (Mark 10:47-49) and the heart of Jesus to see others with compassion (Matthew 9:36).
PHOTO: We also need to have the ears of Jesus to hear the cries of the needy (Mark 10:47-49) and the heart of Jesus to see others with compassion (Matthew 9:36). We are, in the words of C.S. Lewis, "little Christ" who show Him to others in how we relate with them.
Picture posted by Dan Corner, Eternal Life Blog on 10 September 2012

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLIUgJjmG_KuD16NMtjgw773arx7B1K_vT-Esy3IhSyud4dIdKcJS1Fmh3_zBtCdt1jeARHKyIkxA8pZhPzkg9dQpiHbgLydEmEmADzswrf_3kA8pTba6VMslGZWpG7_3HQM2oXBzzKLM/s1600/ear-guy.jpg
https://www.evangelicaloutreach.org/images/ear-guy.jpg
https://www.eternallifeblog.com/ears-hear/



There are people who need our love as we grow in Christ. We need to realise that old age is "not a punishment but a privilege" and see beyond our own needs." [38] When we do this, we may notice that there are people around us who will appreciate our caring concern for them.

 
Mamie Adams always went a branch post office in her town because the postal employees there were friendly. She went there to buy stamps just before Christmas one year and the lines were particularly long. Someone pointed out that there was no need to wait in line because there was a stamp machine in the lobby. "I know," said Mamie, "but the machine won't ask me about my arthritis." [39]

Is there not a message for all of us here?



Old Age is not a defeat but a victory, not a punishment but a privilege.
PHOTO: Old Age is not a defeat but a victory, not a punishment but a privilege.
See beyond our own needs. There are people who need our love as we grow in Christ. When we do this, we may notice that there are people around us who will appreciate our caring concern for them.
Picture posted by Silvia, Sleeping Angel on 18 April 2019

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhywq_tWhQRrn1XbrKzhxPQFZiX_zg_zUrJ5RiWQIb1-E5PxmwXrsd1J1ICOjb84GJXurEL1mpt6Ext-UZ8IvU9sVfXEOA3L5t6MJdPNR-3PkH4I4CIdmr0xRWi9qXxs4MsP9qYPUXQKR0/s1600/sleepingangel_oldage-1200x1200.jpg
https://blog.sleepingangel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/sleepingangel_oldage-1200x1200.jpg
https://blog.sleepingangel.com/?p=4341



Dear Lord
Dear Lord
PHOTO: "Dear Lord, we learn that Love is not just a sentimental feeling. Love should be considered a verb - in that it is always expressed in action - and there is truth in that understanding. When we say we love God, it is best expressed in our submission and obedience to God.

We learn that God is love and this divine love is poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, even as we repent and place our trust in Christ for our salvation. It is because God has first loved us, we are able to love Him and others. This God given love has both vertical (towards God) and horizontal (towards others) dimensions.

The horizontal implications of love is if we really love God, we will also love those around us.

We learn that Love is not self-centred. It is not boastful, proud, envious, revengeful, rude, or easily angered; it does not keep grudges or delight in evil. Instead, love aims for the good of others. It is kind, patient, and forgiving, always full of trust and hope; it therefore perseveres and will never fail.

Love has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. It has the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men. That is what love looks like. That is what Christ looks like.

The Christian who grows in love will look more and more like Christ. He will have the eyes of Christ to see others as Jesus saw them: harassed (no rest), helpless (no power), and like sheep without a shepherd (no guidance).

Please help us to have the ears of Jesus to hear the cries of the needy and the heart of Jesus to see others with compassion. Help us to be like ‘little Christ’ who show Him to others in how we relate with them.

We need to find one of the great secrets of having love that is divine in origin which is marked by selfless sacrifice and self-giving love.

Please help us to realise that we need to see beyond our own needs as there are people who need our love as we grow in Christ. Encourage us by helping us to notice that there are people around us who will appreciate our caring concern for them.

We need help to listen to others, make a love potion, waking others up for work or appointments, wish other good morning and good night, try and model a loving acceptance in our interactions with others, praying for others in Jesus name, and look after ourself not to burden others.

Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!
"
Picture saved by Mint Bunny to Paintings and sculptures
gif file generated by Animated Images Effects Generator at
http://www.webestools.com/animated-images-effect-generator-effects-gif-images-picture-blog-gif-fx-images-animated-effect.html
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWptmcdakDj6jWoL4mOoMZOBHV5IIZd4fEW2IiuXbyK8c5TWu7E64vk_B9v_DW4Y-jZKtdegG_fwWvC383lUTsDwXLOTN4beU7icaI5-jEmh6BBeqSTudm9ohKPi1CifcXiI1spqebBW8/s1600/4be73edfd7029ab06737ff8d530cae85.jpg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYdTLGjWTVwx15a_NpCx5AE48IIMlxNJdbO7nWfaPYpSJRG12qbqpQjyY1z7ASPGkZJjqs5p0YPrizb0a9oZEo0DeEA2qMONMW7Hshlqjeiwm66Nq__uMAKTeLhy_kFXRwD6RYZR3YDQE/s1600/4be73edfd7029ab06737ff8d530cae85.gif
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/4b/e7/3e/4be73edfd7029ab06737ff8d530cae85.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/535998793150510019/


Reflection - Spiritual Journey - Becoming Loving
Source (book): "Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, PART I: SPIRITUAL JOURNEY, Chapter 9, "Becoming Loving", Question 1, Page 58.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012
 






Also from the same author, Robert M. Solomon

"Faithful to the end", A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon


'Faithful to the end', A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon<br>
Reflection - Faithful to the end (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html


"Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-finding-rest-for-soul-links.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-i.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-iv.html
 


"Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, © 2018 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020

https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflection-songs-of-christmas-links.html




Reference
[1] From "Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, Copyright © 2019 by Robert M. Solomon, ISBN 978-981-14-1836-5, PART I: SPIRITUAL JOURNEY, Chapter 9, "Becoming Loving", Page 53-57.

[2] The Green Parent, 20 daily acts of love, https://thegreenparent.co.uk/articles/read/20-daily-acts-of-love

[33] J. Dwight Pentecost, Life's Problems - God's Solution: Answers to Fifteen of Life's Most Perplexing Problem (Grand Papids: Kregel, 1971). 76.

[34] Bell Hooks, All About Love: New Visions (New York: Harper Perennial, 2001), 4; Gary Chapman, Love Is a Verb: Stories of What Hapens When Love Comes Alive (Minneapolis, MN: Berhany House, 2009).

[35] Lloyd Cory, Quote, Uniquote (Wheaton, HL Victor Books, 1977), 197.

[36] C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity, rev. ed. (London: Fontana Books, 1955), 166.

[37] Ibid., 114.

[38] Abraham J. Heschel, The Insecurity of Freedom (New York: Schocken Books, 1972), 71-71, quoted in Houston and Parker, S Vision for the Aging Church, 55.

[39] David Jeremiah, Morning and Evening Devotions: Holy Moments in the Presence of God
(Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2017), 699.


New International Version (NIV), Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

1 Corinthians 13 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+13&version=NIV

1 John 4:8 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+4%3A8&version=NIV

1 John 4:19 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+4%3A19&version=NIV

1 John 4:20 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+4%3A20&version=NIV

James 2:8 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+2%3A8&version=NIV

John 4:35 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+4%3A35&version=NIV

John 14:14 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14%3A14&version=NIV

Mark 10:47-49 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+10%3A47-49&version=NIV

Matthew 9:36 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+9%3A36&version=NIV

Matthew 11:28-29 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+11%3A28-29&version=NIV

Romans 5:5 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+5%3A5&version=NIV

Romans 13:9; Galatians 5:14 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+13%3A9%3B+Galatians+5%3A14&version=NIV