There is a powerful force that cannot be held captive by our thoughts, emotions, fears, or outside limitations; the one thing that builds a firm foundation that time and circumstance cannot erode. Without it, you are subject to great failings and a meager existence; with it, you experience unlimited possibility and unstoppable freedom. What is this force? Its name is LOVE!

The absolute best definition of love I have ever found is this, "Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails" (1 Corinthians 13:4-8).

If you are thinking that's a pretty tall order, you would be right! But when God issues an order to love, He provides us with the means to do it; that means it is through his Son, Jesus Christ. When I accepted Jesus as my Savior, I learned He would help me love Him and others by expressing His love through me. I certainly can't do it on my own! No one can!

You are God's workmanship!

Once you make yourself available to love God and His ways, you have to learn to love yourself. Not with a self-centered or conceited type of love, but with a genuine love for who God created you to be. He made you and loves you; now you have an obligation to appreciate His handiwork!

Loving God and yourself provides a firm foundation that prepares you to love others and to achieve greatness. Love includes self discipline, taking personal responsibility for your life, and realizing you have a part to play in your success. Operating from the basis of love insulates you from selfish greed, immoral decisions, and the poison of unforgiveness.

One of the saddest things to observe is a person's rise to success and power followed by a tremendous fall. Often this is because the person's talent took him or her higher than the depth of their character could support. When a person has a shallow character, they do not have the firm foundation they need to stay at the top.

How should I show love to others?

I've established several habits that I use to show love for others in my personal and business life. By these principles I show respect, focus on people's strengths, and treat them like I would like to be treated.

·Noticing: Rather than rushing by, slow down and acknowledge the person near you, even if it's with a nod and a smile.

·Listening: Make a point to truly listen, not just talk. People will tell you amazing things if you take the time to listen.

·Asking questions: Ask questions that show you are listening and attentive; that what they are expressing is valuable to you.

·Discovering their interests: Become acquainted with what interests a person. I've actually ended up hiring people after I took the time to learn their interests.

Page 1 of 2 :: First | Last :: Prev | 1 2 | Next