Paul J. Meyer, best-selling New York Times author and founder of the Success Motivation Institute has written two dozen full-length programs plus numerous books on attitude, motivation, goal setting, management, leadership, and time management. In his highly acclaimed book, 24 Keys That Bring Complete Success, available at http://www.pauljmeyer.com/”">www.pauljmeyer.com" target="_blank">www.pauljmeyer.com">http://www.pauljmeyer.com/”">www.pauljmeyer.com, Paul shares the 24 keys that have made him the success he is today.
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The absolute best definition of love I have ever found is this, “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8).
If you are thinking that’s a pretty tall order, you would be right! But when God issues an order to love, He provides us with the means to do it; that means it is through his Son, Jesus Christ. When I accepted Jesus as my Savior, I learned He would help me love Him and others by expressing His love through me. I certainly can’t do it on my own! No one can!
You are God’s workmanship!
Once you make yourself available to love God and His ways, you have to learn to love yourself. Not with a self-centered or conceited type of love, but with a genuine love for who God created you to be. He made you and loves you; now you have an obligation to appreciate His handiwork!
Loving God and yourself provides a firm foundation that prepares you to love others and to achieve greatness. Love includes self discipline, taking personal responsibility for your life, and realizing you have a part to play in your success. Operating from the basis of love insulates you from selfish greed, immoral decisions, and the poison of unforgiveness.
One of the saddest things to observe is a person’s rise to success and power followed by a tremendous fall. Often this is because the person’s talent took him or her higher than the depth of their character could support. When a person has a shallow character, they do not have the firm foundation they need to stay at the top.
How should I show love to others?
I’ve established several habits that I use to show love for others in my personal and business life. By these principles I show respect, focus on people’s strengths, and treat them like I would like to be treated.
- Noticing: Rather than rushing by, slow down and acknowledge the person near you, even if it’s with a nod and a smile.
- Listening: Make a point to truly listen, not just talk. People will tell you amazing things if you take the time to listen.
- Asking questions: Ask questions that show you are listening and attentive; that what they are expressing is valuable to you.
- Discovering their interests: Become acquainted with what interests a person. I’ve actually ended up hiring people after I took the time to learn their interests.
The benefits of love
#1 - For our benefit: God is more interested in our personal growth and character development than He is in our ease and comfort. That’s why we are called to love even those who have hurt or betrayed us. Not with a sloppy indulgent love, but with a love that believes for redemption and restoration to a healthier state of being.
God even promises to reward us for showing love through our actions: “But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be the sons of the Most High”( Luke 6:35).
#2 - For others’ benefit: When we show love for someone when they don’t deserve our love or forgiveness, we plant a powerful seed. I’ve had numerous people become curious about my faith when they either experienced or observed my love in action. I was able to share about my Savior and the great sacrifice He paid for my own salvation and for theirs.
It is God’s will that you love yourself and others by allowing His love to pour through you. In the end, love is simply part of your service to others. Love is not always returned, therefore be satisfied that you have been obedient and leave any rewards for that obedience to God.
As you climb your ladder of success in your personal and business life, take with you the one sure thing that is necessary to stay there…the one force that is more powerful than any other in the world; the source of unlimited possibility and unstoppable freedom. That force is LOVE!
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