Love You… Mean It, A Love Letter from Your Dad
Café Menu for Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Today’s Special is: A Love Letter from Your Dad
Carefully prepared just for you by your friend, Aj Luck
Main Ingredient:
So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.
Colossians 3:12-14 MSG
Entrée:
L O V E is a topic that has been a source of inspiration for song, poetry, stories, movies, plays, etc. for centuries.
The expressions of this LOVE can run as deep as the ocean or as shallow as a mud puddle.
I LOVE THAT PURSE!
But what happens when our hearts get broken?
When we lay our hearts bare and open to being vulnerable, it’s bound to happen. Spouses, children, friends, co-workers, and even perfect strangers - all perfectly able to hurt us.
Why?
We are ALL human. Hurting people, hurt people.
Our reactions teach us a lot about what’s really in our hearts.
God, on the other hand, already knows not just our hearts, but our hurts as well. He has told us that we must choose love. In fact, He even told us to PUT LOVE ON daily.
I know it’s not easy... choosing to love. However, it’s necessary if we are going to keep moving forward into the plan and purpose God has for each of us.
I looked up and read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 in the Message translation, then I read it as if God was talking to me... Father to daughter.
I’ve changed the word Love to Daughter. It challenged and encouraged me. I pray it does the same for you.
Daughter - never give up.
Daughter - care more for others than for self.
Daughter - don’t want what you do not have.
Daughter - don’t be proud.
Daughter - remember, Love doesn’t strut,
Doesn’t have a swelled head,
Doesn’t force itself on others,
Isn’t always “me first,”
Daughter - don’t fly off the handle,
Daughter - don’t keep score of the sins of others,
Daughter - don’t revel when others grovel,
Daughter - pursue the flowering of truth,
Daughter - walk in endurance
Daughter - trust Me always,
Daughter - always look for the best,
Daughter - never look back,
But keep walking with Me to the end.
Love, Your Heavenly Father
Take Out:
Copy and paste the “love letter from Dad” above into a new blank document.
Print it out.
Keep it in your wallet. Send it to yourself in an email. Put it in the Notes app on your phone. Keep it as a constant reminder to respond verses react.
Breathe in God’s grace. Exhale God’s ability to navigate through your hurt and pain.
Dessert:
Dear Father God, thank You for Your Word. Thank You for loving me and giving me assurances when I feel inept. May You remind me each morning, not only to put on my armor, but to also put on Love. May I represent You well as your daughter today. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
For more encouragement, visit Aj at ajluck.com
© 2016 by Aj Luck. All rights reserved.
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Originally published Tuesday, 16 February 2016.
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