Speak from Love

Speak from Love Love is really the end and the beginning of Christianity, isn’t it? Of course, it ought to be our intention in everyday conversation. Paul says the goal of all the instructions he gives in 1 Timothy 1 is based in love, which comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith (v. 5). Assured of Christ’s love for me (and his forgiveness, peace, and hope), my heart can respond by loving others. Remembering that Christ gave his very life to restore me opens my heart to see that all of us, regardless of our behavior, are equally in need of Christ. Once the playing field is leveled in my mind, I have more desire to love others rather than condemn them, seeking to restore them if I can rather than degrading or arguing with them.  What if, before speaking, I reflected on Christ’s love for me, and let that guide the words I spoke? What if I found joy in speaking from love to others, regardless of their response to my attempts? What if I let Christ’s love guide even my thoughts?  As I practice staying away from meaningless banter and setting a better focus for my conversations, I know that none of this is possible without Christ’s help.