Stop being mean, bad-tempered, and angry. Quarreling, harsh words, and dislike of others should have no place in your lives. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God has forgiven you because you belong to Christ. [Ephesians 4:31-32 (TLB)]
I sat reading my Bible and feeling just a wee bit self-righteous. After all, I’d spent the majority of the weekend with an elderly relative. I then read Paul’s words to the Ephesians and God convicted me. Yes, I’d driven her around, taken her wherever she wanted to go, helped her shop, and spent plenty of time with her, but had I been as loving as I should have been? I’d said nothing mean; I’d certainly been polite. There had been no quarrels or harsh words. I’d really done nothing wrong, but had I done everything right? Had I been as tenderhearted and kind as I could have been? Hadn’t some resentment crept into my heart because there were other more enjoyable and interesting things I would have preferred doing? I know I grew impatient at her snail’s pace and gotten a little annoyed at hearing the same story yet again. Hadn’t there been frustration at her inability to make a decision? Had I let any of those feelings sneak into my demeanor or tone of voice? Probably! Had I been as helpful, encouraging and caring as I could (and should) have been? Probably not! I deeply love this woman, but my heart and mind were more interested in me and my inconvenience than my love for her.
Father, thank you for pointing out our failings. Forgive us when we do the “right” things but not in the “right” way. Let your Holy Spirit show us how to truly love so we genuinely reflect your love in all of our behavior.
Without love, deeds, even the most brilliant, count as nothing. [St. Therese de Lisieux]
Devotions of the Heart 