Life experiences are the eye openers of our hearts to the true meaning of unconditional love. Here's what I've learned:
1. When someone is not being nice to you, be kind. You don’t know what is going on in their life at the moment so be kind and hold your tongue. Remember we are judged by what comes out of our mouth not what goes in!
2. If someone succeeds at something in life (especially if it is something you would love to do yourself) don’t get envious but sincerely be happy for them. View it as a place you know you will be some day instead of a measuring stick of failure.
3. When you do succeed (and you will!), do not boast in your accomplishments only boast in what God has done in your life – remember you could not have done it alone, He deserves all the credit.
4. Do not be a proud peacock – pride sends you down the wrong path so instead fill your heart with thankfulness.
5. I do not care how inconsiderate someone is to you, do not be rude EVER and if you slip up then apologize. Just because someone forgets your fries in drive-thru or you would “never” do what that person is doing, it does not give you the right to be rude or haughty – they are human just like you.
6. Love expecting nothing in return … this is a hard one! We need to be able to freely give love with no expectations. God will then overflow our hearts with every bit of love that we give out and then some!
7. Be slow to anger – even when someone is pushing your buttons (yes especially those who know exactly what buttons to push), control your temper. Remember just as it is impossible to put toothpaste back into the tube – our words cannot be taken back.
8. Forgive and forget … oh I know that last part gotcha but please do not keep reminding people (or yourself) of things that God has forgiven them for – do not keep a checklist of what someone has done so you can recall it at any time like you do your favorite TV program on DVR.
9. Act in love. No matter what we face in life, strive to see the good in everyone and everything. Let our actions always be out of love, not evil.