This morning’s devotional time has done it again. God is very focused on growing me into His likeness–being a new creation. I have spent my life disciplining myself to be the kind of person that “loves”. However, now that I’ve committed (disciplined) myself to be a new creation, God is wanting me to know there is a difference between disciplining oneself to love vs being loving.

My mother, I’d perceive, was my best example of love when I was a child. However, as I’ve moved through life, I’ve noticed many people who love very differently than my mom did. What I noticed about mom was that she did all that she could to take care of my needs–physical (meals, clothes, laundry, helping with tasks, modeling devotions, reading to us, etc.) The emotional needs I had were left alone for the most part. In fact, I don’t recall but one time when an emotional need was addressed and that tied to a physical accident.

In Colossians 3:12-15, Paul has written some very definite words about loving. He says in part, “…Be merciful as you endeavor to understand others, and be compassionate, showing kindness toward all. Be gentle and humble, unoffendable in your patience with others. Tolerate the weaknesses of those in the family of faith, forgiving one another in the same way you have been graciously forgiven by Jesus Christ….” “…Love becomes the mark of true maturity.” (The Passion)

I have learned over time the huge difference between doing and being. I know how to do, what I’m needing to find is the “being” side of love. I find this to be a new area of Faith I’ve never tackled before. I know I need to believe I can “be” loving because I’m a new creation. I’m not “doing” a new creation, I “am” a new creation.