Love should be honest.
Avoid that which is bad in favor of that which is good.
Let your affections be kind, sincere and honorable.
Honor each other.
Be the example.
Never cool in your commitment.
Nurture and develop your enthusiasm!
Serve the Lord.
Rejoice in hope.
Be steadfast in the face of oppression.
Pray.
Help those around you.
Always be courteous.
Bless those who persecute – for they are hurt.
Never curse another.
Share in the joy of those who rejoice.
Share in the sadness of those who weep.
Always find agreement amongst yourselves. (“find” is a verb.)
Never, ever be conceited – in fact, avoid the conceited.
Choose in stead those who are humble – and be humble.
Be mindful (not proud) of your opinions. Learn more.
Forget about getting even – hurting those who hurt you, hurts more.
Rather fill your hearts with goodwill towards all mankind. All year long.
As far as possible, live in peace with everybody. Make it possible.
Revenge is not in your jurisdiction – leave that to God.
Rather care and provide nourishment to those you believe to be your enemy.
Even more so to those who believe you are their enemy.
(The lesson goes both ways.)
Do not let evil overcome you.
Defeat evil with good.
This is taken from Romans 12:9 onwards. It’s the passage my dad read this morning and, when he read it, I realized that those guidelines would work perfectly in same-sex relationships. Especially those around me at the moment – and most definitively when it comes to the one I’m hoping for! Obviously I translated loosely – but I really like it! My heart feels all fuzzy now :0)
Here’s hoping you have a glorious Tuesday (or had, if you happen to be on the other side of the planet)!
Oh, one last bit of advice: Talk.
Love you all,
Willie
