“Love must be sincere.” Romans 12:9 NIV
How many moms want to sign up for more to do?
Not me.
I have a family consisting of a husband, and three daughters. For years I have absolutely refused to own a pet requiring free range of my home. Guinea pigs in boxes, birds in cages, and fish in tanks are all tolerable. Because, in reality, who oversees their care? Yep, the mom! (I know you know this first-hand!)
Oh yes, prior to their acquisition there were all kinds of promises. Promises which proved short-lived for two daughters once the pet was part of the family.
To care for our birds, there is one task I performed almost daily. And I do not like it. Although a mom and a nurse, performing it turns my stomach.
Back when Clover, arrived I established a care routine for her. Daily, I would dutifully change her water from her tiny drinking dish. The problem? It needed cleansed with soap every day because the dear bird was a bit confused and used her water dish as a toilet.
To talk myself through this yucky task I would gaze out my kitchen window over the sink and recite to myself, “Whatever you did for the least of these, you did for me.” (Reference Matthew: 25:40-45) All the while squeezing the soap into the dish and scrubbing the scum with one finger.
God has used these blessed birds to draw me nearer to Him. As I recall my verse to get me through that cleaning task and as I pause to ponder what He has done for me and the manner in which He did it, I humbly recognize how much further I need to go. But, I will learn, as I slowly turn toward obedience.
I am learning that love is obedience. My actions reflect my heart: am I sincere in my love and faith? My actions will pour out of my heart; is my heart aligned with the Lord?
While not desiring any new pets, once they enter our home, I ensure they have a good quality of life. I admit how cute they are, laugh at their individual antics, and learn to love them, not minding they extra work they create.
I bet you might relate. It’s not that there’s a sudden change of heart about not wanting more work; it’s about compassion for another living creature, and sincere love for the Creator.
How can we develop and deepen that sincere love? How can we prepare our hearts to love sacrificially, as when we commit to loving creatures we would rather leave at the Pet Store?
Spend regular time with Him.
In the midst of all the people to love, all the tasks to do, and all the needs to meet, we must prioritize spending time with Him, preparing our hearts for the day. So we can live sincerely, loving as He loves.
Maybe you are like me, it’s hard to always prioritize that time. When I was home with little children, sometimes those moments happened in the laundry room (funny how no one wants to enter that work room!). Sometimes it was a few minutes here and a few there.
Whatever stage you find yourself in, every moment counts: that twenty minute commute to work, fifteen minutes with a cup of tea in the evening, or a few moments before bed. As long as we are developing a practice with open hearts, He will help us develop a deepening faith and a sincere love.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for understanding our time (or lack thereof). Thank You for helping us manage our moments, develop our hearts for You, and please teach us how to sincerely love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.