Optimism and the Law of Love

This isn't a long and studious sounding post about people most folks have never heard of or concepts most people don't care about.  I was just thinking today about how cynics seem to live lives that are love deprived.  How do you turn a cynic?  Well I think the best way would be to demonstrate and enact the Law of Love.  If all we do in life is dish out love like there's no tomorrow and show more concern for those around us than we have for ourselves, we might find love to be contagious.  Why should I be concerned for myself?  Billions around the globe have severely desperate circumstances, yet still find the means to enjoy good moments in life.  I've seen this first-hand from AIDS orphans who have no living parents, no motivation, and no hope for a long life.  But those children were rarely seen without a smile.

I mentioned in a previous post that I feel as though cynicism and pessimism may be responsible for the destruction of as many souls as sin itself.  Worry and concern for self can, at length, cause great stress and sadness and paranoia.  If we truly live as though we trust the Lord, these concerns aren't necessarily eradicated, but rather suppressed and comforted by the knowledge that the Lord simply loves.  The Trinity is held together by selflessness.  Each member of the Godhead gives themselves fully to the others.  If we live like God lives, we would find joy and fulfillment in giving ourselves to others and loving them above ourselves trusting that the Lord will sustain us.  We were created to love others.  Adam was in perfect relationship with God in the garden, but God saw that Adam wasn't fulfilled.  So he fashioned a partner for him, a woman.  It is then that God recognizes this as "good."

Those who live by this Law of Love just seem to be more optimistic naturally.  They trust.  Worrying in excess is poisonous.  The scriptures are clear on the subject.  We need not worry.  No good comes from it.  Trusting the Lord while actively pursuing and seeking His perfect will in our lives and living as though we were making decisions based on the character that He has instilled in us is what was intended.  Sure, it is a battle, but it is good.  "Fight the good fight of faith."  Paul does not tell Timothy to "Enjoy the fun cake-walk of faith."  No doubt, this life isn't meant to be easy.  But the battle is good.  In the Greek, the word used here for "good" is "kalos" which is the kind of good that is associated with beauty.  In fact, the word is more often translated as "beautiful."  If we walk in love and fight through this life serving the Lord, how can we help but be joyous?  There are times for sadness and mourning, sure.  I don't deny that.  But living according to the law of worry is to live in distrust.  Let us be optimistic, looking for the good in every situation.