Minimizing our Love

I realize I live selfishly and really try to minimize knowing people.

That sounds harsh, but I know it can be true.
In general, I'm pretty friendly.
I'm not purposely rude, but I find that I am not always purposely friendly.

For example, I will just say "how's it going" when greeting someone at the coffee bar in the morning, instead of asking them a personal question to get to know them.

When driving, I am in my own world. Other cars (and drivers) are just an obstacle to overcome.
The "do unto others" rule doesn't apply.

When I pull in from work and see the neighbor in the yard, I could get out and talk. Or I can pull my car in quickly and get in the house. I'm tired and want to spend time with my family, but should I pass up an opportunity to get to know someone better?

Maybe for you it is upon hearing your friend lost her mother, you make a quick call to tell her you are sorry and ask if there is anything you can do. When you really should be on your way to be with her, instead of worrying about being out late or missing your down time that evening.

Maybe there is someone you work with that really gets on your nerves. He comes into your office at 4:59pm, and start telling you about his weekend plans which hold no interest for you. Do you abruptly cut him off so you can beat traffic? Or do you take that opportunity get deeper with him and see what is going on in his life?

I think it comes down to either loving other people or not loving them. When we choose to put ourselves before others, we are not loving them.

I know it is tough to determine how much to give of yourself. You do have to take care of yourself. You have to make a living, spend time with family, take care of the house, etc. If you don't have your life in order, then you realistically will not have much to offer other people.

The question ultimately is Why should we love others? Because the bible says so?? Well, yes. But why does Jesus encourage a life of love for others?
By loving, we get past our own selfishness. This of course is one of our biggest barriers to oneness with God.

It goes both ways.
When we live a life after God's heart, we will love people.
When we love people, we find ourselves living a life after God's heart.

My dear children, let's not just talk about love; let's practice real love. -- 1 John 3:18