It's not about me and it isn't about you, it's about others!

It was wonderful getting back to church this morning. I spent the past two Sundays sick in bed. There is something special about coming together, at least once a week, to join your church family to worship God and enjoy times of fellowship. Pastor preached from Galatians, chapter 5 today. A reminder to love, and serve, others!

A few weeks ago the worship team led us in a new song, "The Servant Song". I wrote down the title and placed it by my computer. The words touched my heart and it is a poignant reminder to us. This morning we sang this song again with pastor's message to love one another as we love ourselves.

He asked, "How do you love yourself?" and then gave us thirty seconds to jot down two ways we showed that we loved ourselves. I listed 1) good hygiene and 2) read my Bible daily. I thought I was off to a good start. His follow-up made me rethink my gut responses at first. He encouraged us to use these two things (and the others we listed later today and during the week) as a springboard to show love to others.

Hmm...to practice good hygiene and read my Bible isn't something I can do for another person yet they are the first two I listed? As I've thought more about this, I believe this is possible. Local food pantry patrons and some of our soldiers overseas lack some of the basic essentials to maintain proper hygiene. So, why can't I donate use my BOGO's to provide toothpaste, shampoos, conditioners, soap, and such to the organizations assisting those with needs? I can...so I am then "loving others" the way I love my self first -- practicing good hygiene.

But I can't read the Bible for another person? Or can I? If I living out the words I read, then aren't I sharing the very words God inspired with those I meet? If I share more Scripture verses on the blog and in my writing, aren't I sharing the Bible with some that might never open one? Yes. And then there is the thought, what if I donated Bibles to the Crisis Pregnancy Care Center, the food pantry, or for the soldiers? Would that be sharing a way I love myself with others? I think so.

Jesus was born in the manger to show us love in human form. He died on the cross on Good Friday to show us sacrificial love. God showed His love through Jesus, He was born to die, God is asking me to do is donate some toothpaste -- what am I waiting for? What is holding me back? How do you love yourself? How do you show love to others? In truth, who to we serve -- self or God?

Are you loving others as you love yourself?