Having begun my journey with Christ within me and beside me over 35 years ago I continue to marvel at how He uses other people to show me His love.

Of course, there are circumstances in which to learn and the only thing I have truly learned from them was a deeper dependence upon Him. That is a trusting faith that He is in control and any control I think I have is an illusion. Yep, Father knows best.

Yet it is in a community that I have learned to love with His love, not mine.

What's the difference?

Well, my "love" tends to have expectations of others that are not His expectations.

My "love" tends to end in expectation of my rewards, my needs met, and my glory. And since Love does not seek its own, my "love" is really not Love.

I know it is His love when I start with only one desire, that is wanting the best for the other person. I have a life verse from III John verse four that describes this delight. "I have no greater joy than to see my spiritual children walking in the truth".

What is that truth? The truth that God created them, loves them and desires to walk His life out through the unique way in which He has created them. This results in God's glory. So, as I walk on this journey I may be farther along, but I am no farther ahead because the One we are walking with is taking us to the same destination. There's no getting ahead of Him!

Mark B Weaver