Love does not selfishly seek its own honor.
Love does not demand its own way.
Love is not self-seeking.
Love isn't always "me first."
1 Corinthians 13:5 (Various translations)
The further I walk with Jesus, the more evident it becomes that the tremendous opposition to love is...me!
Me, myself, and I. That is why Jesus stated that the first step in following Him is to deny myself.
"Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone wishes to follow Me, he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me]." Matthew 16:24 AMP
Jesus transformed my life through this truth. He took me from being filled with my interest to being filled with His interest.
I was full of myself, like the calories in artificial sweetener, flavor but no power.
There are no words to describe the freedom of being free in Him.
Free to love you and others because my life is no longer mine. I no longer live, but He lives His life through me. It is His.
How have you prayed for others to change instead of surrendering your self-will and loving them as they are?
If you deny yourself and follow Jesus, how will the lives of those around you change?
Lord, how wonderful it is to be your sons and daughters! According to Your riches in glory, we have received every spiritual blessing in You. It is freeing to know all this isn't about me but You, Lord. It is about Your glory and becoming conformed into the image of Your Son, Jesus, Who is love. We want You and Your way, not ours. Amen