When Paul told Timothy to "be an example in love," Paul was preparing Timothy for one of the hardest lessons in life. Loving others! Jesus said: 'Love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be the sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.' (Luke 6:35-36 NKJV) Such words bring us to our knees, for we fall far short of practicing them. The pastor of a large church tells of being on an elevator with a drunk man who was throwing up. The pastor couldn't wait to get off. All the way to his room he kept criticizing the man. Later that night God spoke to him and said, 'You laughed at him, but I loved him enough to die for him.' Watch your attitude! The same sunshine that melts the butter hardens the clay. When you constantly deal with people's problems, it will make you either callous or compassionate. In spite of His disappointment in people, Jesus never lost His sense of compassion. Love isn't a virus that you catch, it's a virtue you're supposed to practice every day. And there's a divine dimension to this kind of love. '...the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.' (Romans 5:5 NKJV) You can't reach into the well of your own emotions to find such love; you can only take the love of God that's been poured into your heart and share it with others. And if you are to serve God successfully, you must have regular transfusions of His love. That's why being a part of the body of Christ is so important. You need to be around others who are learning this love language the same as you...you are loved!
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