 |
| Painting by Wendela Verstoep: Prophetic Heart |
Recently I was reading something in Ademruimte, the new book by friend and christian psychologist Matthijs Goedegebuure. Just a few random sentences that made me think, I like to share 'm here...
"When something dramatic, something with great impact, happens in our life, we all have a first automatic response. A habit, a way of reacting. I have asked myself today: 'What is my first automatic reaction? What is my first action? Or, what is my first thought?'
My first thought often is: 'What is the best thing to do now?', 'What is honest?' or 'What is wise?' I have a tendency to immediately search for the best solution. But the more I advance in life and years, the more I discover that not the best solution, but love is the most important thing. I hope to reach a point in life where my first reaction will be: 'what now is love?'
Love for God and people sometimes takes me on a different route than my so called wisdom or my idea of what the best solution should be. Love is not always logical and sometimes not even fair. Love enables me to even accept stupidity or dishonesty. Love is the greatest force in life."
But the greatest of these is love
1 Corinthians 13:13
We can learn a lot about ourselves by paying attention to what our first response is to stress, or even to when good things happen.
ReplyDeleteGreat post.
Fondly,
Glenda
I think I will ponder this today and see what is revealed. Thanks, Marja. Always blessed by you, Dawn
ReplyDeleteThanks Glenda for your added comment! I never really thought about my first response to happenings, I will do so now :)
ReplyDeleteLove is definitely a fruit of the Spirit! Its characteristics don't come naturally - and it's a mark of our changed life in Christ. What a wonderful first reaction! Have a beautiful weekend!
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting and challenging to examine things from this angle. I'll have to ponder this more. Thank you, Marja! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Marja - ouch and again ouch! My first response is not usually a good one. Trusting God to help me as i get older ;) Great post my friend
ReplyDeleteGod bless
Tracy
Right there with ya, Marja. Goes well with my post today.
ReplyDeleteMuch love to you.
Dear Woman of God, Holy and Precious Greetings to you in Jesus Our Lord.
ReplyDeleteDear Woman of God, I Read Your Writings Regularly, they are wonderful.
Dear Sister, I am a Pastor from India.
If it is God's will, Please Pray for me and for Our Ministries for The Salvation of The Perishing Millions.
I and We Pray for your Welfare and Abundant Prosperity.
In Him
Maria, love, a wonderful first reaction indeed, sign that the spirit produces God's character in us :) Thanks for stopping by.
ReplyDeleteKaren, challenging indeed, because I know my first reaction is not always love or lovely even :)
ReplyDeleteMarcia, I'll hop over to read your, thanks!
Dear pastor, glad you are encouraged!
My first reaction varies. Most of the time it's prayer for wisdom, but sometimes I try to fix the situation in my own strength. We all know how well THAT goes!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Susan
Thanks for stopping by, Marja. It's good to see your name pop up. I wanted to clarify that the post I connected with this one is not so much "Get Over Yourself" (although that can apply in some ways too), but "Half a Dress is No Dress". The link is at: http://instillnessandsimplicity.blogspot.com/2012/03/half-dress-is-no-dress.html
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your day.
Blessings!