July 4: Insight Post by Michael Thayer

Funny that the Apostle Paul, who wrote the book of Galatians, does not feel the need to give us a handle on how we should love ourselves. Self-love and acceptance come naturally, even during difficult moments/times. We’ve got that covered.  Instead, Paul uses our love of self as an example of how we should love others.

After reading and re-reading the Friday Questions, they are certainly challenging and convicting. How can I love God and love others as the guiding principle in my life, motivating all my actions? Keeping that front and center in my mind as I go about my day–when I am feeling frustrated (or more nicely put, challenged) with myself, my family, my job search, even when I am happy and things are going well–is a regular challenge for me. If God’s love is my guiding principle and motivation, I can honor and fulfill His plan for me and hopefully inspire others to be interested in seeking a relationship with Him.

Reading the Bible each morning, prayer during my quiet moments with Him, spending time with others who model (even if not perfectly) this focus, turning to Him at stressful periods of life and relationships – these all help me to decrease the noise, listen to the Holy Spirit, and be guided by God’s love.

Working through these questions has been helpful to me and provided me with some handles for how I can apply the most important call to us as Christians – “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:14 (NLT). I hope it does the same for you.