May 4
Scripture: 1 Cor 13:7
Source author: Don Richards
May 14
Holiness Topped With Love Let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God. —2 Corinthians 7:1
When I first became a Christian, my mother became an implacable enemy. She didn’t like my conservative brand of Christianity because she’d grown up in a conservative home and always hated it. As a result, we argued constantly. Every good thing I did was put down. Every bad thing I used to do—drugs, drinking, womanizing—she said I should go back to. “I preferred you that way.” I didn’t know what to do. But some Christian friends who mentored me said, “Just love her. Let her see the greatest change in you as real love—toward her and her friends and everyone else.” I stopped arguing and fighting and simmered down the gospel wars. I wrote a note to one of her dying friends. I praised her to others. I let her know I loved her with numerous hugs, kisses, and statements. In time, she softened. We became a loving mother and son again, and life began to work. And in time, God made sure she understood and accepted the Gospel. That was the best thing of all.
When we strive to live holy lives, not everyone will like it. But as we make sure we add love to holiness, the combination is often unbeatable. — Don Richards —