Sometimes doing the right thing is difficult. You argue with yourself and can justify other actions, but deep down you know the right thing to do. And when you do the right thing it may be awkward and frustrating and uncomfortable. But it is still the right thing.
The right thing is always motivated by love. One of my favorite encounters that Jesus has is found in Matthew 22 and Mark 12. He is asked which commandment was the greatest. He responds by saying that Love is the greatest commandment. First to love God with everything you have. Second to love others. And then he makes this statement in Matthew 22:40. "All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
Wow! No matter what law, rule or conviction we choose to uphold, without hanging it on love we miss the point. I Corinthians 13 reminds us that we can do great things but without love those things are nothing. The Message puts it this way, "No matter what I say, no matter what I believe, no matter what I do, I'm bankrupt without love."
Let me encourage you today to love. Love deeply. Love honestly. Love graciously. Love Godly. It will change your life and leave an impression on others.
Love God. Love others. It really is that simple.
