Loving Feeling
May 24, 2019 by Elaine James
Filed under Daily Devotions, Life Topics
By Elaine James –
Did you wake up tired? You look around the house and perhaps there are clothes on the floor from your loved ones. Maybe something is lying around that you asked someone to put away. Maybe dishes and wrappers are lying out on the counter, because someone did not put them away. Frustrating, huh? If relationships with those in your home are strained already this kind of stuff adds fuel to the fire.
You may be thinking, I’ll tell her or him this or that. You’re ready to fight. Your argument is rolling around in your head.
This person is driving me crazy. How can I love them the way the Father loves?
Remember it is a command to love one another. It is not a choice. I have heard some say “I don’t feel like being in the relationship any longer.” Or this one: “I don’t want to be nice to him or her because they were not nice to me.”
Here is what God tells me. Love is not always a loving feeling. So take some time to speak to God about the lack of love in your house. If relationships are strained the last thing we should be doing is ordering people around and be controlling.
Maybe the advice to “fake it to you feel it” has some merit, since feelings can be so fickle. Combat the lack of feelings with prayer. Prayer is the way to stay. Wait on God.
What happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard. Things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.
Make a list and pray the positive things about that person who is difficult to love. I had a relationship that was strained. Things weren’t changing until I changed.
So if you have an ugly relationship put aside: “Well, if they put their stuff away and do as I say, then I will love them.” Say instead, “I will serve and love this relationship (with God’s help) back to life.” The power is in our actions and tongue.
Keep the peace. Stop looking for that loving feeling. Look instead to the Father and ask for help.
PRAYER: Dear Father, I don’t feel like loving _________ today. I have been struggling with their lack of love and help. I just can’t go on this way God. Help me! Give me the love to love them. Help me to see them the way You do. Give me the feelings to love them. I want to honor and obey You Father, but sometimes I just struggle. Forgive me Father if I have hurt this other person in any way. Help us to get back to joy and our commitment toward each other.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. Love never fails” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8 NIV).
Today’s devotional is by Elaine James, author of the tract JOURNEY, certified personality trainer and graduate of Christian Leaders Authors and Speakers Seminars. She is a prayer ministry counselor, accomplished actress, and certified Christian storyteller. Her dramatic performances have made many aware of their problem with Major Mind Overload, and their need to take every thought captive in obedience to Christ. Elaine is a recycler—nothing God teaches her is wasted. www.elainejames.com
Today’s devotional is by Elaine James, author of the tract JOURNEY, certified personality trainer and graduate of Christian Leaders Authors and Speakers Seminars. She is a prayer ministry counselor, accomplished actress and certified Christian storyteller. Her dramatic performances have made many aware of their problem with Major Mind Overload and their need to take every thought captive in obedience to Christ. Elaine is a recycler—nothing God teaches her is wasted. www.elainejames.com
Elaine James this was a great article in the christian pulse 2-17-2011
Thanks for always teaching me love and forgiveness.
Great devotion Elaine, thanks for sharing!
Thanks keep sharing your faith! pass this message on!
Wow this really touched me. thanks!
Love your comment!
It was a beautiful article. I am so glad Elaine James will be submitting one every month
Thank you for responding and I am so glad you enjoyed the message.
Love
Elaine,
Great insight. I love that you talk about what too many of us don’t want to face and blame others for our bad behavior. The Lord does call us to be “peace makers” and that can only be done if there is conflict. Another wonderful devotional. Thanks for sharing!
What a joy you are, thanks!
Elaine always has pearls of wisdom and beautiful Christian doctrine which is down to earth and inspiring. It truly was another thought provoking, simple and beautiful vingette, Loving feeling just written in the Christian Pulse. I will be sharing it with family. Keep writing Elaine. It really helps.
Thanks for your uplifting words. Pass the message on.
Thank you for the reminder that we should not punish our loved ones by withdrawing our love, that we should love on them most when we are frustrated, and thankfully we have God to help us find the determination to do this. It truly is amazing the changes that occur in any relationship when we remember to love first.
Thank you, you are very insightful! A blessing to me!
Thank you Elaine! Sometimes in this hectic crazy world we forget ‘why’ we were in love with the person we married or are our friends, or family members. Love is kind – give it a chance. Love never fails – and through Christ, He will help us find and rekindle the love that we first had for each other.
you are so encouraging, keep using your gift!
Really enjoyed Elaine’s article-I can totally relate to that!
Thanks Lissa: You have been such a blessing to me. Keep the word close to your heart and share this message with your friends. God Bless
This is so true! God is not asking us to “please” love people, he is commanding us to do it so we need to figure out how! Great perspective! Just what I needed to show a friend who has a hard time forgiving… Love it! thanks Elaine! I share it with my facebook contacts so you are going international!
Thank you Nadya:
May the bless you and keep. The work of your hands is beautiful, keep sharing God’s word! You are a blessing to many.
Very insightful. Thanks.
Thanks, Elaine. Just what I needed today as my daughter and her friend left after spending 3 days in an RV. Talk about mess and clutter! I always try to remember that my spending 3 days with loved ones is more important than ragging on them about neatness. Lord, help me to see thru the Evil One’s veil that all must be neat and clean and in it’s place. Jesus walked the earth among sinners and chaos. I will try to be more like him.
Great story! thanks for sharing. God is good!