When we lose the motivation to love, we become critical of others…
we see faults and focus on shortcomings rather than strengths….
~Dr. Charles Stanley
To love as commanded in the Word of God is a choice and something we must put into practice continually. But sometimes we lose our motivation to love.
Do you notice that when we do, we are not as patient with others. We let their mistakes bother us. We focus on what we don’t like about them rather than their good qualities. We may become critical and unkind. And, we may lose our peace and joy.
We can get pretty hard on ourselves too if we don’t put God’s principles of love into practice. Ultimately, that hurts our self-confidence and ability to love others.
The good news is: we have God’s love inside of us, and we have all we will ever need to love ourselves and others. The challenge is letting God’s love work in us and flow through us. The next time you notice your motivation to love waning….
TRY THIS:
* When you begin to feel critical of someone, make a list of that
person’s positive qualities.
* When you begin to feel critical of yourself, make a list of your
strengths.
* Give God thanks for the positive qualities and strengths you
have identified.
* Whenever a critical thought comes to your mind, replace it
with something on your list.
* Look for the good and focus on the best, not the worst; the
beautiful, not the ugly; strengths, not weaknesses; things to
praise, not things curse.
* Ask God to help you to see yourself the way He does. When
you do, you will love and accept yourself and others.
Cotcy: Krystal.