Axioms - The Loving Thing

"What is the most loving thing I can do?"

This is the question that has helped me resolve a lot of issues.

Not, "What will cause me the least grief?"

Or, "What will make this person like me?"

Or even, "What is the popular/politically correct thing to do?"

Often it is asked when you are tempted to go along with someone's dysfunction for fear of the mess they will make if you don't. But the truth is, capitulating to someone's unhealthy patterns is not the helpful or loving thing to do for them. Even if they dislike you for it. It is worth it in the long run.

And sometimes, the most loving thing to do is to not point out the mistake they have made or the gaff they have pulled. It can be a loving thing to guard someone's dignity when they know they are wrong.

1st Peter 4:8 "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins."

Much Love,

Troy

Comments

[Krissie]

I like that you expounded on "what is loving?" It took me a long time to learn that sometimes the truly loving thing to do, is not what the person would want you to do, or even what they would determine feels loving or caring to them in that moment. Kind of like speaking the truth in love.

Let everything we say or do, be truth, but also be loving - and yes sometimes to incorporate the love part, we need to keep our mouth closed.

Good words. Thanks!

[Crystal Renaud]

i know it is not who they are that i should hate - but to hate the action. i am constantly learning how to marry the two together. i suck at it.