At a local bookstore, I went to see if I could find some books to add to my library, specifically books that would give insight to the Psalms. I didn’t want to be spoiled by the availability of expository accounts found online, but preferred to peruse the published, printed word of scholarly theologians who had diligently pursued the word of God, searching, seeking the pure truth it contained in the scriptures.
As I walked through one of the two main aisles, leading from the front of the store to the back of the store, I saw the “Children” section, the “Science Fiction” section, the “Do-it-Yourself” section, and the “History” section. Eventually, I walked by another section, one that said, “Romance.” While most of the other aisles had been empty, void of customers, on this particular day, there was a couple, a man and woman, probably in their 40’s, in the “Romance” aisle. I paused, only for a second; didn’t want to appear like I was being nosey or meddling. The truth is, I was doing neither. I was merely wondering. I moved on quickly, but my thoughts stayed centered on speculating, trying to figure out what the couple was looking for in that aisle. Okay, you may say I really was meddling, silently. But really, I was just speculating. Smile!
So, I among my speculative thoughts, I supposed that they were looking for books on how to rekindle their love, how to live love than just say, “I love you,” or perhaps take something away from a fictitious, top ten love story account that would benefit them.
Now, what I really wanted to do, but opting to mind my own business, that I did not do. You see, I wanted to tell them they were in the wrong section, and they should follow me to the “Religion” section where they could scan through various translations of the Bible that were on display. I wanted to tell them that in a good translation, a collection of the scriptures bound together, whether bound paper or leather, they should get into a book based on truth. If I had been courageous enough, I would have told them, “You are looking in the wrong section!”
You see, if they needed to rekindle their love and turn the remining sparks into flames, they should have visited I Corinthians 13:4-7 (You should check it out too!) If they wanted to see love in action they could look at Jeremiah 13:3 (You should check it out too!) If they wanted to learn something from a true story, what I would categorize as the best-ever love story, they could look at John 15:13-14. (You should check that out too!) If they wanted to bring active love in their life through out that time where they agreed, “until death do us part,” I would recommend that they spend some time reading and understanding Ephesians 5:25 – 33. (You should check it out too!) Finally, I would tell them to go back to I Corinthians 13 and look at the first clause in verse 8. (You should look at it too!)
Opps! Did I say “Finally” in the sentence immediately above? My bad! Let me ask for your forgiveness. I would be irresponsible it I did not tell that couple, and you, to read the good news in a nutshell verse, wouldn’t I? What is the good news in a nutshell verse? Just read the closing verses. Have a wonderful Wednesday! Be blessed!
“Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him would not be lost but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 Easy-to Read Version)
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King
Amen! God’s Word gives us everything we need, doesnt it? Thank you for sharing that Pastah!
Totally agree! Thanks, Val, for taking the time to respond! Be blessed!
That is also one thing with which I struggle–sharing the word with others. Your examples were great. I didn’t see the connection in Jeremiah 13:3. You may have been thinking of another verse. Thank you.
Thanks for reading. The verse was to make you think of its content…a supplement. I appreciated you providing your thoughts. They are encouraging.