SCENE ONE
Sarah had just left the church building with a few of her friends. She was so blessed and edified God’s presence and was happy she was in the company of the “right” people. For the first time, her past was not the subject of discussion.

Her excitment was especially triggered because the convener of today’s meeting was Jude; a young man…who made the illustrations used in his message, very relatable. He spoke eloquently and knew how to connect with his audience. Also, she heard him pray in a strange language with audacity and ease. It was nothing like she had heard before. This must be what it means to be anointed.

She made up her mind to ask Eunice, her neighbor who invited her for his mobile contact. If she would relentlessly pursue God this time, she would have to do it with guidance and mentorship.

Eunice was in the company of a number of people so Sarah waited a while for her. But as soon as Eunice saw Sarah, she beckoned her to come join them.

Hi guys. This is Sarah, my gorgeous neighbor. It’s her first time here, said Eunice to her company (Israel, Celina and John). Nice to meet you Sarah, Israel enthusiastically responded. Did you have a lovely time? John asked. Feeling at ease because of the warm reception, she responded in the affirmative, and proceeded to ask, please how do I get in contact with Pastor Jude? There’s something I’d like to discuss with him.

Hmmm, that’s how all these newbies will be doing. You think Apostle Jude is someone you’ll just be seeing anyhow. He is a man of God oh. See how you just even called his name! He travels abroad to minister almost every week. He doesn’t have time for frivolities, Celina addressed immediately, then walked away.
1 Corinthians 13:1-2 (MSG)

¹If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don’t love, I’m nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate. ²If I speak God’s Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, “Jump,” and it jumps, but I don’t love, I’m nothing.

SCENE TWO
Why do we go to church, mum? Six year old Ernest asked as he watched his mum delicately pack up his breakfast. To worship God, my dear, his mum answered.

Following her to the living room, he continued; But does God need our clothes and money too? Is he only in the church? Why do you prefer to give Mrs Smith in church our new clothes, and not the people who don’t have? Is Mrs Smith God’s sister?

Ernest’s mum was puzzled. How would she explain to him that there are different kinds of giving? And some are actually called seed sowing…

Ernest, sometimes you give what you have to get what you want. You will understand when you’re much older. She concluded.

Just then, Mrs Smith walked in. I could have sworn I heard you say you have to give to get what you want. If yes, don’t you think it sounded a bit opportunistic.

Haha, not exactly ma’am. I was just trying to explain the mystery behind seed sowing to Ernest. And why some of us need to keep tapping into the graces of some of you up there, she teased.

Hmmmm. For the many people you consider to be “up there”, how many of them “tapped” their way through? True, principles always work but you won’t have lasting, enjoyable success without a relationship with God. What is the motivation for acquiring wealth? What would it be used for? Do God’s people only seem distribution channels to you?

1 Corinthians 13:3 (MSG)

If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love.

SCENE THREE
So, after diligently serving the Lord for 27 years, her son ends up a hooligan, being the sole propagator of all those crimes? Helen overheard Danielle, her personal assistant say about her to a mutual friend at her office desk. Tears began to form in her eyes as she realized that her life had become a source of ridicule for all at the office.

All these spiritual activities people engage in, it isn’t the guarantee for a good life oh. Be moderate in all things. That’s the secret. Danielle continued.
Helen could take no more, and was about rushing in, to give them all a piece of her mind when the Holy Spirit stopped her. As she repented, He said; Take a cup of coffee to Danielle in the next five minutes. She didn’t get to have breakfast before leaving home.

Lord, this is unbelievable. I’m still hurting. Why does it have to be me? She complained.

James 1:20 KJV

For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

…it’s the goodness of the Lord that leads men to repentance (Romans 2:4)

Days later, she went into Paul’s room and broke down in tears. She stumbled upon different brands of alcoholic drinks, and some harmful drugs. She saw him fast asleep on the couch, in his bedroom. She moved towards him and planted a kiss on his forehead, then said; I won’t give up on you.
1 Corinthians 13:4 (SBC)

“Love is never tired of waiting; love is kind; love has no envy; love has no high opinion of itself, love has no pride;”

CAN YOU STAND BEING LOVED?
I’ve come to realize that the challenge in giving out love comes from the inability to receive it. Giving out love might not be as difficult as it is, with knowing how to receive love. This is why most times, God’s love is only equated to emotions and affection.

Here’s the deal:

God isn’t going anywhere. Whenever you’re ready, He will always be here. You never take Him surprise, He isn’t mad at you, and won’t ever get tired of you.

His response to us always will be out of an overflow of love.

God’s instructions are filled with love. He nevers loves us to irresponsibility. He corrects and instructs from a stand point of love. This is why the Psalmist always found delight in meditating on His precepts (Psalm 119:159)

He prepares the path for us, and sets us in line to follow through accurately.
He has the power of undergoing any thing for our sake, has unwavering faith in us and who we are in Him.

He is extremely romantic…unfolds in different ways. Super innovative and creative; He is a safe leader and lover. Makes each one who comes to Him feel like the only object of His affection.

Spontaneous, yet calculated. Gentle but firm. You’d always know its Him; because Love is ever His signature.

HOW TO RECEIVE HIS LOVE
Rest! We function from a point of rest. Take a moment and close your eyes. Then, imagine Him smiling at you because you’re beautiful. Drink of His river of love. It’s a river of ease, joy, peace and fulfillment. So much closer than you ever thought.

It’s that easy. With this consciousness, your life becomes an overflow to others. You don’t fake it at all. You did nothing to be loved…so no one is truly deserving. You give as freely as you’ve received.