Love – Joy – Peace

Usually when I’m reading the proverbs, one of them jumps up in my lap and stirs my heart.  This morning that happened three times while reading three different “proverbs” from the same chapter.  The first topic is Love. Check this out…

 A friend loves you all the time,

       and a brother helps in time of trouble. (Proverbs 17:17 NCV)

 Love is an over-used and an abused word in our language.  It can be shallow and meaningless, or it can be very deep and abiding…touching the deepest part of our soul. I have friends whom I love deeply and who love me deeply. This is one of the richest of spiritual attributes. Our God defines love.

 A happy heart is like good medicine,

       but a broken spirit drains your strength. (Proverbs 17:22 NCV)

 I once heard of a man who was very sick, who bought a bunch of funny books and movies and locked himself in a hotel room and laughed himself well.  I don’t know the guy personally, but I’d like to think that I have a happy heart. I’ve been around people with broken spirits and it is hard to stay “up” and encourage them. I know that I would  do well to show my inner joy that comes from Jesus way more often than I do. His presence in me is the secret to the third attribute that I found in this chapter of Proverbs. Check this out…

 The wise say very little,

       and those with understanding stay calm.

Even fools seem to be wise if they keep quiet;

       if they don’t speak, they appear to understand. (Proverbs 17:27-28 NCV)

 There are so many times when I should say nothing instead of something. I should concentrate on staying calm so that the words the come out of my mouth bring peace instead of provoking a fight.  I want to listen 4 times as much as I speak because I have 4 listening devices – 2 ears & 2 eyes, to gain understanding.

 I want to grow in my understanding of Love, Joy & Peace. I believe these to be basic attributes of Creator God. I would do well to implement them more into my daily walk.

Pressing On!

Dwayne