“...where there is hatred, let me sow love…” St Francis

The distinguishing mark of a follower of Jesus is returning love to someone who hates and would harm you. To love this way can be costly, but it is also rewarding in ways that defy imagination. I have the right as an American to prosecute a thief for stealing my shirt, but as a Christian, I am given the privilege to win their heart by giving them my shirt as well. This love has the power to transform an enemy into a friend, and shape an unshakable peace in the hearts of those who practice it. The love of Jesus is rad, if it is anything.  

“But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, “ Jesus Conversations Within” ts 9/6/2020

“Daddies don’t just love their children every now and then, it's a love without end, Amen.” George Strait

Yesterday I asked my wife to tell me something that she was absolutely sure about. Without hesitation, she replied, “I know you love me.” I have often consoled myself that if my wife, knowing all my faults and shortcomings loves me, then surely God loves me despite them as well. I am sure of it, not because I am worthy of His love but because He adopted me into His family knowing me better than anyone has or ever will.. He is the very definition of unconditional love. 

 "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” 1Jo.3.1 Conversations Within” ts 8/5/2020

One of the most delightful things about a garden is the anticipation it provides. ~W.E. Johns

"The Kingdom of Heaven is like a farmer who planted good seed...” Jesus

There is no measure to the fruit that can come from seeds we sow in another's life, at least not in this life. Only before the throne of God will we fully know the influences of our love. Someone has said “Anyone can count the seeds in an apple, but only God can count the number of apples in a seed.” One kind act today even if it is only witnessed by a stranger may sow seeds in their garden that will impact the life of their children's children. Lord let me keep the angels busy counting the apples. 5/28/2011 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill, AL)

One of the most delightful things about a garden is the anticipation it provides. ~W.E. Johns

"The Kingdom of Heaven is like a farmer who planted good seed...” Jesus

There is no measure to the fruit that can come from seeds we sow in another's life, at least not in this life. Only before the throne of God will we fully know the influences of our love. Someone has said “Anyone can count the seeds in an apple, but only God can count the number of apples in a seed.” One kind act today even if it is only witnessed by a stranger may sow seeds in their garden that will impact the life of their children's children. Lord let me keep the angels busy counting the apples. 5/28/2011 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill, AL)

“Start with questions the other person will answer yes to.” How to Win Friends and Influence People” Dale Carnegie

“But we...will boast only with regard to the area of influence God assigned to us, to reach even to you.” 2Co 10:13

We may well ask why we would want to influence people in the first place. What about “live and let live.” As nice as that sounds, every disciple of Jesus knows that loving your neighbor is a higher calling than just letting them be. If you love someone you seek what is best for them. But there is certainly a difference in manipulating someone the get what you want and influencing people to clarify what they want and help them determine if what they want is really in their best interest. Only in some extreme instances, such as intervention with an addict or a person attempting suicide would we violate someone's freedom to choose. Such mercies expressed by humans might even give us hope that “Hell” for some people might be a place to restrict the damage that they can do to themselves. As for our own influences, we can and should use any honest means to persuade others so long as we respect the line that God Himself will not cross. You can't make people choose love. 4/13/2011 Conversations Within ts (Between, GA)

“Start with questions the other person will answer yes to.” How to Win Friends and Influence People” Dale Carnegie

“But we...will boast only with regard to the area of influence God assigned to us, to reach even to you.” 2Co 10:13

We may well ask why we would want to influence people in the first place. What about “live and let live.” As nice as that sounds, every disciple of Jesus knows that loving your neighbor is a higher calling than just letting them be. If you love someone you seek what is best for them. But there is certainly a difference in manipulating someone the get what you want and influencing people to clarify what they want and help them determine if what they want is really in their best interest. Only in some extreme instances, such as intervention with an addict or a person attempting suicide would we violate someone's freedom to choose. Such mercies expressed by humans might even give us hope that “Hell” for some people might be a place to restrict the damage that they can do to themselves. As for our own influences, we can and should use any honest means to persuade others so long as we respect the line that God Himself will not cross. You can't make people choose love. 4/13/2011 Conversations Within ts (Between, GA)