Change

Trying to force other people to change is never a good idea. Jesus knows how prone we are to try to change other people, and puts the question to us: 'Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?' (Matthew 7:3 NIV). [para]Using our own tactics to get people to change - applying pressure - is usually pointless. Give them breathing space. People need the freedom to be loved as they are. 

That doesn't mean they don't need or want to change. But nobody appreciates being given the message, even subtly, that they must change in order to be loved and accepted. So, it's about giving people room to change. We're more likely to change for those who are willing to accept us with our shortcomings, than for those who demand we live by their rules. 

Prayer is the greatest agent for change, not pressure. If we truly love people we'll pray for them and allow God to work on them His way, on His schedule, and for His glory. For change to be lasting, it must come from the inside out. And only the Spirit of God can bring that kind of change

Celebrate Love

Romantic love is one of God's sweetest gifts to our lives. But love is so much bigger than 'hearts and flowers'. It's a very practical thing - a choice you have to make over and over again. [para]Love happens between two people when they are slow to suspect but quick to trust; slow to condemn but quick to justify; slow to offend but quick to defend; slow to expose but quick to shield; slow to reprimand but quick to empathise; slow to belittle but quick to appreciate; slow to demand but quick to give; slow to provoke but quick to help; slow to resent but quick to forgive. [para]Wouldn't it be amazing if love were the true hallmark of all our relationships?

 One writer talks about a church where the people have made the following pledge to each other: 'I'll never knowingly say or do anything to hurt you. I'll always, in every circumstance, seek to help and support you. If you're down and I can lift you, I'll do that. If you need something and I have it, I'll share it with you ... No matter what I find out about you, no matter what happens in the future-either good or bad-my commitment to you will never change. And there's nothing you can do about it.' What now? Today, find a way to take the love that God has given to you, and give it to someone else.