~Love~

A friend challenged me earlier this week to find a word that I could focus on for 2014. A word that I could work towards as a sort of a goal in a Godly fashion. I was up for the challenge--but whoa--this is going to be hard. I thought of all the ways I wanted to better myself this year and I kept coming back to love. I want to grow my relationship with God, and the only way I can do that is by loving Him with all that I am. I want to nurture my husband and build our marriage up so that nothing can break us, and the way to do that is to love him with all that I am. I want to be a better parent to my children, and the only way to do that is to love them with all that I am. I want to show my friends how much I care for them, and the only way to do that is to love them with all that I am.

Love is such a simple word, but such a hard thing to do. The first verse I read about love:

Romans 12:9-18NIV "Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."

I am so eager to live out this year in God's love. Is there a word tugging at your heart for this year? I want to challenge anyone who is reading this to pray about that word and live it out!

So, dear friend, challenge accepted. Please hold me accountable!!