"Love Is Not Self Seeking"

Sometimes people just amaze me. You know, those people who like to give you that hug, smile and tell you that they love you. We see them often, maybe walking in a structure where we assemble to worship or go out and eat with such. They are such a delight and it thrills our hearts to see them.

But then something happens...someone says something wrong or does something that riles them a little and, well, they think about leaving the presence of all. Offended they do not want to return. We wonder what happened to the love and encouragement they always gave. Where is it? I know it stings to hear such, but their love is a self seeking love. As long as everything goes according to their desires, meets their expectations, all is well but when things grain against them there is pouting and discontent. It was James that opens our eyes to see the source of ALL quarrels and conflicts (Jam. 4:1-4). This inspired writer by the Holy Spirit said the source is our personal pleasures and desires! We are told no or offended by not getting our way and what do we do? Our actions speak words louder than we could ever say.

Jesus was NEVER a self seeker with selfish ambitions. He voluntarily laid down His life so we might live. He calls us into that holy union with Himself, asking us to love as He loved us. His love carried our burdens, our selfishness, our hurts and our lives while He denied His own. He gave up His rights so we could live! That love and devotion to our eternal well being is what He calls us to. If we are secure eternally, wouldn't you want others to make it? Did we not learn from the cross?

One thing about God's love, it never seeks its own desires (I Cor. 13:5). In fact, God speaks to us to tell us you can know you have eternal life. You can rest assured that you and the Lord are walking hand in hand. "We know that we have passed out of death into life because we love the brethren. He who does not love abides in death." (I John 1:14) If we don't start allowing the love of God to direct us, lead us forward when others might hurt us, who is God going to get to help people see Him in a greater way? God is not self seeking. Jesus is not self seeking. Where does that leave me and you?