Laura Laughlin Life Lesson #5
LAURA LIFE LESSON #5 – Love first
Regardless of the complexities of life and supposed metrics of success, we are in fact defined by our relationships. Busy schedules and other commitments often lead to limited and brief moments of social interaction. It is in these moments, the greatest opportunities are available to form the bonds of true friendship. Everyone, on different levels, yearns to be loved and to reciprocate such feelings. Oftentimes, we wait, guarded; hoping for the other person to act. The difficulty is not in loving or being loved, but in choosing to love first. In choosing to practice this principle, you are accepting the accompanying risks and vulnerabilities that your love may not be returned.
You must know where this is headed! Laura’s life is, in fact, one of the true examples of the power of displaying love first. You’ve probably seen it thousands of times. You’re thinking handshake, Laura’s thinking hug. You’re thinking hug, Laura’s thinking kiss. You say bye, see you later; Laura says OK, love you. Her ability and desire to love first is attractive and contagious.
This isn’t something we SHOULD do as Christians. It is what we are called to do. Living this principle doesn’t come easy. Exposing yourself in this way may leave you open to attack. This adversity and resistance is at the very core of a life of impact. Take the example of our savior, Jesus Christ. Persecuted, mocked, scorned yet also revered, admired, and followed. Similarly, Laura’s life is an example in how loving first changes lives and helps others. We all have a limited sphere of influence and can decide to display our Christ-like love for those within our circle to see.
Loving those agreeing and supporting you is not as difficult. But God’s Word asks us to love those who may scorn or criticize us. This Word declares that by following Christ, you will face trials and even persecution. The existence of this in our story is the beauty and perfect truth of this doctrine becoming reality. It proves God can use anyone, in any situation, to accomplish anything. Should we continue to share our lives? I say we must (in love!).
SO NOW I AM GIVING YOU A NEW COMMANDMENT: LOVE EACH OTHER. JUST AS I HAVE LOVED YOU, YOU SHOULD LOVE EACH OTHER. YOUR LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER WILL PROVE TO THE WORLD THAT YOU ARE MY DISCIPLES. (John 13: 34-35)
We love you,
Jeff and Laura Laughlin
Regardless of the complexities of life and supposed metrics of success, we are in fact defined by our relationships. Busy schedules and other commitments often lead to limited and brief moments of social interaction. It is in these moments, the greatest opportunities are available to form the bonds of true friendship. Everyone, on different levels, yearns to be loved and to reciprocate such feelings. Oftentimes, we wait, guarded; hoping for the other person to act. The difficulty is not in loving or being loved, but in choosing to love first. In choosing to practice this principle, you are accepting the accompanying risks and vulnerabilities that your love may not be returned.
You must know where this is headed! Laura’s life is, in fact, one of the true examples of the power of displaying love first. You’ve probably seen it thousands of times. You’re thinking handshake, Laura’s thinking hug. You’re thinking hug, Laura’s thinking kiss. You say bye, see you later; Laura says OK, love you. Her ability and desire to love first is attractive and contagious.
This isn’t something we SHOULD do as Christians. It is what we are called to do. Living this principle doesn’t come easy. Exposing yourself in this way may leave you open to attack. This adversity and resistance is at the very core of a life of impact. Take the example of our savior, Jesus Christ. Persecuted, mocked, scorned yet also revered, admired, and followed. Similarly, Laura’s life is an example in how loving first changes lives and helps others. We all have a limited sphere of influence and can decide to display our Christ-like love for those within our circle to see.
Loving those agreeing and supporting you is not as difficult. But God’s Word asks us to love those who may scorn or criticize us. This Word declares that by following Christ, you will face trials and even persecution. The existence of this in our story is the beauty and perfect truth of this doctrine becoming reality. It proves God can use anyone, in any situation, to accomplish anything. Should we continue to share our lives? I say we must (in love!).
SO NOW I AM GIVING YOU A NEW COMMANDMENT: LOVE EACH OTHER. JUST AS I HAVE LOVED YOU, YOU SHOULD LOVE EACH OTHER. YOUR LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER WILL PROVE TO THE WORLD THAT YOU ARE MY DISCIPLES. (John 13: 34-35)
We love you,
Jeff and Laura Laughlin
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