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Love makes you attractive

“Do you like cats?” I asked him. 

“Yes, they’re my favorite animal,” he said matter of factly. 

Of course they closed the sale. They were just so darned cute and sincere. I wonder when we lose this innocent sincerity in relating to others and trade it in for expressing what we want the world to see? In other words, when do we become concerned with our image? Will this young lad someday renounce his love for cats and the chance to pal around with his little buddy when his masculine friend tells him it’s not cool anymore? I hope instead that he is able to enjoy the non-judgmental togetherness we all once shared with our childhood friends.

Becoming preoccupied with ourselves by worrying about what others think, or what makes you attractive to the opposite sex, can be destructive. To accept ourselves and know that we have value can prevent a lot of angst if we learn it early on. Those that possess this quality don’t need to present a façade to the world because they aren’t absorbed with how they might be perceived. I truly admire such people.

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control….  Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)

These characteristics are attractive, not simply for how others will perceive us but for how we can feel about our lives. Every exchange is a chance for us to build each other up or tear each other down.    General courtesy reflects our concern for those around us.  And we see these traits in people all the time if we take a moment to reflect. Consider the gentleman who waits for ladies to get on the elevator first no matter what their age, even though he doesn’t always receive a thank you. There are wonderful people who help their neighbors, extend courtesy to strangers, support and give time to their parents and children, volunteer, are gentle and slow to anger, and even adopt their pets from shelters. Many keep doing what is right versus what is in it for them, and they express it in a myriad of ways. Your actions and my actions, whether big or small, reflect what is in our hearts.

The fruit of the Holy Spirit, expressed in our lives, is not only good for those with whom we associate; it’s what is best for us.   It frees us from the stress of conflict, anxiety and anger. In seeking to know more of Christ, I find it easier to accept myself.