Sacrificial love is probably one of the hardest things to do, for the main reason is that as humans, our nature is selfishness. Genuine love is selfless, prioritizing another’s well-being and happiness without expecting anything in return. It is characterized by sacrifice, empathy, and unconditional support. In contrast, selfishness is taking what is not yours to have, using others to satisfy personal needs, ego, or desires, often resulting in conditional affection and emotional manipulation to achieve what you want at the expense of others. In today’s society we hear “I love you” spoken to crowds from a person who has no idea who anyone is that they are speaking to or what their needs may be. We can look back over history and see the true acts of selfless love. I read of Janusz Korczak who ran an orphanage in the Warsaw ghetto during World War II. As 192 children were being led to the gas chambers, Janusz went along with them to their death to die with them, to bring them comfort. He wrote words that inspire me to love more, “I exist not to be loved and admired but to love and act. It is not the duty of those around me to love me. Rather, it is my duty to be concerned about the world, about man.” I look to the words the Lord Jesus spoke and see how we are to live our lives. It is written in *John 15:13 No one has greater love [no one has shown stronger affection] than to lay down (give up) his own life for his friends.* I know that there are times that I am so focused on my own life that I do not see the troubles of those around me for that I am ashamed. But then there are moments when I sacrifice time to help others when I do not take time to help myself. I think about the true meaning of life and look at *1 Corinthians 13:13 And so faith, hope, love abide [faith—conviction and belief respecting man’s relation to God and divine things; hope—joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation; love—true affection for God and man, growing out of God’s love for and in us], these three; but the greatest of these is love.* and receive more clarity. My friends, may we all show the world around us what is written in *Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, 23 Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge].* Closing thoughts; Genuine love is defined by what you can give, while selfishness is defined by what you can take. Genuine love thrives on mutual growth, while selfish love exists only as long as benefits are received. Genuine love respects boundaries, whereas selfishness violates them to maintain control. It is important to distinguish between selfishness and self-love; the latter is healthy, allowing one to honor their own emotions and set boundaries while still caring for others, rather than manipulating them which seems to be the current way of society. I pray that I continue to love in hard situations because love is hard. 

My BeLoved, may the grace and peace of the Lord Jesus, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen. In Christ Love, douglas. HE>i. pastord.blog

Special Note: I want to thank those who read what I write and are encouraged to support the ministry God has entrusted to me either one time or have decided to give on a monthly basis. I am encouraged to see certain verses playing out before my eyes like what is written in *Philippians 4:16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.*

To any who are interested, please feel free to reach out to me with prayer requests, questions, encouragement, or for information on how to come alongside me with financial support at pastord.blog@gmail.com or I do have a Zelle account associated with my phone number, 5202720387 last name Blaser. Thank you my Beloved for your ongoing prayers and support.