Great Love!

The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children—with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all. Praise the LORD, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word.Praise the LORD, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will. Praise the LORD, all his works everywhere in his dominion. Praise the LORD, my soul. Psalm 103:8-22 NIV

How great is the love The Lord has for us! His love--so great--that it covers our sins and forgives us, giving us chance after chance to get living right for Him!

Now The Lord doesn't "cover" our sin so it is hidden; He covered it with His blood that we might be washed clean, emptying the desire out of us to disobey and filling us with commitment to obey. That is not to say we become perfect at any given time, but because of His everlasting, enduring love, we walk in faith, knowing He will correct us when we stray from the path He determined for us.

Are we on the right path--paved with love?

There is a common, foundational belief that whatever is in us is all that will come out of us.

Therefore, in order for us to walk the life path of love He has destined for us, we must be filled to overflowing with His love--allowing the love to flow onto others, saturating them until there is no room in their hearts for hate. So, if hate is what we see coming forth from people it is because that's all they have within their hearts.

How do we change what we see?

Our lives should be "squared" with love, hope, faith and integrity--so that all that escapes from us is an illustration of what is in us. So, if anyone is lacking in love, hope, faith, and integrity, meet up with those who have demonstrated an unyielding love for others and pray that all they have within will be grafted into your heart.

Without love--we will not care for others and make decisions that are best for all.

Without love--we will not see the needs of those who dare to think differently than we do.

Without love--we will not see that all human beings deserve respect.

Without love--we will not understand that there is no superior race of people.

Without love--we will not understand the power of words in what we say, type, write, tweet or wear on a T-shirt.

Without love--we will not appreciate the diversity of cultures that surround us.

Without love--we will not live to be of service to others.

Love understands and reaches out with hope, speaks with integrity and builds relationships with faith.

Hate destroys.

What's in your heart? Whatever is there is all we'll see and no matter what is said, actions always speak louder than words.

Remember, there is no greater love than the love God has poured into us to share with others.

Serving others always begins with love, endures with love, and ends with love.