In his book The Meaning of Marriage, Pastor Tim Keller quotes C. S. Lewis and says, “Act as if you love.” This does not mean pretending to love someone when you don’t—it’s not about being fake. Rather, it’s about recognising that emotions are not always consistent. Instead of waiting for feelings to lead to action, we must let actions lead to feelings. Even when it’s emotionally difficult to love someone, if we begin with actions of love, those actions can eventually transform our emotions.
Pastor Keller shared a personal experience: before he entered pastoral ministry, he mostly spent time with people he liked and felt drawn to. But once he began pastoring, he had to engage with a broader range of people. One day, while trying to decide how to spend his vacation, he reluctantly agreed to meet with a couple he wasn’t particularly fond of. Surprisingly, as he spent time listening to them, empathising with them, and offering comfort, he found that feelings of genuine love began to grow in his heart. Though he had no emotional connection at first, actions of love led to feelings of love.
I believe this story beautifully illustrates the heart of transformation and growth in a shepherd or shepherd’s partner. We don’t begin serving someone because we already feel deep affection for them. As we pray, visit, listen, and meet their needs, love becomes real through those actions. It may feel awkward or burdensome at first, but step by step, the heart of a shepherd develops—and eventually, serving becomes a joy.
This principle applies equally to members of the house church. We often gravitate toward people whose personalities we find compatible or who are easy to be around. But true community grows when we move beyond those comfort zones. There will be days when we don’t feel like engaging. But checking in on someone, sharing prayer requests, or offering a small helping hand—these simple acts create pathways for love. Preparing meals, offering assistance, or simply listening with care—these acts of service help love take root and grow deep.
Don’t wait for the emotions to come first. Let’s start by acting in love. The heart will follow.
Word of the week
Worship begins with honouring the appointed time with God. Starting next week, just like before, the main church hall doors will be closed once the worship service begins. Those arriving after the service has started will need to wait at the entrance and will be guided to their seats by the welcome team.
윗글
아랫글
이동주 2025.07.26 09:31
신고
In his book The Meaning of Marriage, Pastor Tim Keller quotes C. S. Lewis and says, “Act as if you love.” This does not mean pretending to love someone when you don’t—it’s not about being fake. Rather, it’s about recognising that emotions are not always consistent. Instead of waiting for feelings to lead to action, we must let actions lead to feelings. Even when it’s emotionally difficult to love someone, if we begin with actions of love, those actions can eventually transform our emotions.
Pastor Keller shared a personal experience: before he entered pastoral ministry, he mostly spent time with people he liked and felt drawn to. But once he began pastoring, he had to engage with a broader range of people. One day, while trying to decide how to spend his vacation, he reluctantly agreed to meet with a couple he wasn’t particularly fond of. Surprisingly, as he spent time listening to them, empathising with them, and offering comfort, he found that feelings of genuine love began to grow in his heart. Though he had no emotional connection at first, actions of love led to feelings of love.
I believe this story beautifully illustrates the heart of transformation and growth in a shepherd or shepherd’s partner. We don’t begin serving someone because we already feel deep affection for them. As we pray, visit, listen, and meet their needs, love becomes real through those actions. It may feel awkward or burdensome at first, but step by step, the heart of a shepherd develops—and eventually, serving becomes a joy.
This principle applies equally to members of the house church. We often gravitate toward people whose personalities we find compatible or who are easy to be around. But true community grows when we move beyond those comfort zones. There will be days when we don’t feel like engaging. But checking in on someone, sharing prayer requests, or offering a small helping hand—these simple acts create pathways for love. Preparing meals, offering assistance, or simply listening with care—these acts of service help love take root and grow deep.
Don’t wait for the emotions to come first. Let’s start by acting in love. The heart will follow.
Word of the week
Worship begins with honouring the appointed time with God. Starting next week, just like before, the main church hall doors will be closed once the worship service begins. Those arriving after the service has started will need to wait at the entrance and will be guided to their seats by the welcome team.