| The Greatest Gift of Love Is Attention |
|
|
| By Rick Warren — May 26, 2015 |
“Give special attention to those who are in the family of believers.” (Galatians 6:10 NCV)
The Bible says in Galatians 6:10, “Give special attention to those who are in the family of believers”(NCV). So why do people in the family of God get special attention?
Because whatever you pay attention to is going to grow. If I pay attention to my garden, it’s going to grow. If I pay attention to my kids, they’re going to grow. If I pay attention to my marriage, it’s going to grow. If I pay attention to my work, it’s going to grow.
What is the greatest gift of love? It’s not diamonds, flowers, or chocolate. The greatest gift of love you can give is focused attention. You can affirm people just by looking them in the eye, which essentially tells them, “I value you. What you have to say is important to me because you matter to me.” What people want more than anything else is focused attention. They want to know that their thoughts matter, that their lives matter, that they are valuable.
The essence of relationships is not what we do for each other or what we give to each other. The essence of relationships is how much of ourselves we give to each other.
I can’t tell you how many men I’ve talked to who said, “I don’t understand it. I provide everything my family needs. I give my wife everything she needs. I give my kids everything they need. What more do they want?”
They want you! They want your time. They want your attention. They want your focus. They want to know that you think they matter. Nothing can replace time. Kids don’t need things; they need time. Marriages need time and friendships need time and small groups need time.
This weekend, look for opportunities to show attention to the people in your life. That is the greatest gift of love you can give! But don’t just wait for it to happen; make opportunities to show attention.
If you have to put it in your schedule, do it. If you have to give up Netflix time, do it. If it means putting off housework, do it. If you have to make sacrifices, do it. Do whatever you need to do to give your relationships attention. It is essential to their growth!
Talk It Over
- What kind of attention do you think God wants you to give to people outside the family of believers?
- How can you practice giving more attention and focus to the time that you spend with people?
- What are the things that take time away from growing your relationships?
|
| Today’s Scripture |
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.”
(Ephesians 4:31, NIV) |
|
|
|
|
| Refuse Bitterness |
Bitterness is an extremely destructive force. It can seep into the depths of your heart if you choose not to forgive someone. Scripture tells us that if we choose not to forgive others, it will even hinder our prayers. Thank God that He has empowered us to forgive and release bitterness! It all begins with a choice. You may have been through unfair situations, but it’s not over until God says it’s over. God always has the final say. He is a God of justice. He sees every wrong that’s ever been done to you and every unfair situation. If you will stay in faith and choose to forgive, God will make your wrongs right. He’ll bring justice into your life. Your attitude should be, “It may have been unfair. They may have done me wrong, but I refuse to get bitter. I know my time is coming.” Choose forgiveness, honor God and walk in complete freedom in every area of your life!
|
|
| A Prayer for Today |
|
“Father, today I refuse bitterness. I refuse to allow the past to keep me stuck. Right now I forgive those who have hurt me. I pray blessing on them, that they would come to know Your truth. Father, thank You for setting my heart free today in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
No comments:
Post a Comment