Teaching and Learning VIII

Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. And by this we will know that we are from the truth.

 - From 1 John 3

There it is again: "children." Except here John calls us Little Children. We are always learning. And we must never puff ourselves up, as if we have more insight or discernment than anybody else. We must be like children . . and children must be taught, and they must be willing to learn.

But John goes on . . . . If we love in truth and action, we will know that we have the truth. There's your evidence. It's not in your degree or your riches. It's whether or not you love others. 

21st Century humans don't know what "love" is. They think it's the manifestation of a primal drive, or urge. They look for the tingly feeling, an urge. They yearn for the narcotic effect of what Hollywood calls "love."

But real love doesn't go for any of that. Real love is hard: you have to be willing to part with your goods, to help others. You probably don't make a show of your house, your talents, your vacations, your cars, your friends. You just help. There's no warm fuzzy with that; but there is a feeling that goes along with it - a good feeling. A better feeling than the rush of Hollywood "love."

Your politics, your doctrine, your church membership, and your college degrees are worthless. But your unselfish acts of kindness towards others are priceless. They have untold value. 

Visit widows. Welcome strangers into your communities and treat them like family. Be not like Cain: actually be your brother's and sister's "keeper"! Provide for the children of single parents, and be a virtual mother or father to them.

And . . . a lot of you need to drop the political stuff. It's making you feel too ugly towards others. It's making you feel superior to your neighbors. And it's taking your eye off the ball.

Be smart, be rich, and have the Truth.