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Thursday, December 30, 2021

The Greatest of These Is Love

Love never fails.
1 Cor.13:8

The greatest of these is love.
1 Cor.13:13

But what a battleground love bestows...

Matt.22:36-40
Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God 
with all your heart 
and with all your soul 
and with all your mind.’[a
38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 
39 And the second is like it:
 ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b
40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

The challenge...1 John 2:15-17

Do not love the world 
or the things in the world. 
If anyone loves the world, 
the love of the Father is not in him. 
16For all that is in the world—
the lust of the flesh, 
the lust of the eyes, 
and the pride of life—
is not of the Father but is of the world.
  17And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; 
but he who does the will of God abides forever.

Love is always a daunting topic to try to tackle
and tame into ink-jots...
But love forgives love's shortcomings and stumbles/fumbles

Love is life's greatest joy and sorrow~
Esp. a mother's love...
This poem by Helen Steiner Rice captures it so eloquently...


So, here's to another day of learning to love!
Yesterday a few friends/moms gathered
around a beautiful table set with tea and treats and
shared among many things
 some heart-to-heart hopes and hurts of love.

I could kick myself for not getting a picture
of her thoughtfully, beautifully laid table!

I did get a few pictures of her pretty windows though.




Love breaks barriers, mends bridges
Lends a willing, helping hand
Wakes us to mercies God gives us
Fits us for each day’s demand
Startles us with sweet contentment
When gratitude conquers greed
Surrenders futile resentment
In the light of fellow-need

Love gives life its fullest fortune
Overflowing treasure stores
That will be unveiled in heaven
After earth closes its doors
Love is a double-edged saber
Sparking duals constantly
Is it ‘God first then my neighbor’
If I test love honestly?

Love is foolproof faith in action
The fulfillment of God’s call
Proving its foremost attraction
By who we serve first of all
Love is patient, kind and humble
Love is not vile and uncouth
Love does not delight in evil
But rejoices in the truth

Love is not a careless pledger
Not given to reckless mirth
Love is conscious of a ledger
That records our days on earth
Thus, Love oft must test thought’s impulse
Probe beneath first-glance façade
To the heart of motive’s scruples
Love of self or love of God

© Janet Martin










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I hope you enjoyed your pause on this porch and thank-you for your visit!