Tag: God

Spaces in the Heart for Joy

Only the soul that knows the mighty grief can know the mighty rapture. Sorrows come to stretch out spaces in the heart for joy.

~ Edwin Markham

Photo Credit: Dustin Scarpitti

Blessed by Bitter Things

I thank You for the bitter things
They’ve been a friend to grace,
They’ve driven me from the paths of ease
To storm the secret place.

I thank You for the friends who’ve failed
To meet my soul’s deep need;
They’ve driven me to the Savior’s feet
Upon His love to feed.

I’m grateful too, through all life’s way
No one could satisfy,
And so I’ve found in You alone
My rich, my full supply!

~ Florence White Willett

Image Credit: www.incourage.me

Loving Yourself and Loving Others

“[Love] it is not self-seeking…” – 1 Corinthinans 13:5

“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'” – Mark 12:30-31

Do you ever feel like there is a conflict between loving yourself and loving others? I have found that in my own life, sometimes I get a little confused about this issue. Maybe I am thinking too much about it (which I often do), but when certain situations come up, I can become perplexed about what to do!

For example, imagine that someone asks you to do something for them, but it would really not be beneficial for you or for your own health and well-being. What do you do? Do you act in “selfless love” by complying with the other person’s request, or do you take care of yourself by saying “no” to their request? I truly don’t know the answer to this question!

What does everyone think? Have you ever been in a situation like this before? What did you do and/or how did you handle it?

Photo Credit: Margot Pandone