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Your Christian Counseling Connection, Issue #002
April 02, 2005
Welcome to the April 2005 Issue of Your Christian Counseling Connection, the Newsletter of Christian-Counseling-Online.com. In this edition we are celebrating LOVE. Would you like to be a better lover?! Well read on for tips, articles and more.

Freely you have received, freely give...
If you are blessed by what you read, please share the blessing by passing YCCC on to someone you love.

In this addition of YCCC you will find...

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Love: The Crown Jewel of the Fruits of the Spirit

Paul said, Love is the most excellent of the gifts of the Spirit.

For the Christian, love is the sign of obedience. Love is an activity that extends into all relationships. Love is a command given us by our Lord and Savior. He called us to be imitators of Him...not only to our friends, but to our enemies as well! Love is far reaching. In fact, it is so far reaching that Paul wrote, "Love is the fulfillment of the law."

So how do we demonstrate this most excellent fruit of the Spirit?

First, we must purpose in our hearts to want others to experience the love of God through us. Jesus said, "If you love me you will do what I command." Largely, we demonstrate our love to God by loving others -- the good, the bad and the ugly!

Second, to love well we must be more interested in touching the fabric of another's life with God's love, than in our own need for self-expression. You see, love seeks the ultimate good of it's object. Love is not about how you "want" to express love. Love is all about doing for others what best meets their greatest need.

Finally, better relationships require us to be better lovers. Most of us struggle with loving others the way God wants us to love. Make up your mind to be an instrument of love and Pray that God would give you the grace to love those in your life who are difficult for you to love.

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Book Works -- Charity and It's Fruits by Jonathan Edwards

Martin Luther taught that doctrine has to be right first if we are to experience true reformation of behavior. More importantly Jesus said, "Know the truth and the truth will set you free."

Studying and applying doctrine is one of the great keys to spiritual growth. If you are interested in producing a greater harvest of love, studying 1 Corinthians 13, through Edwards' "Charity and It's Fruits" may be just the nourishment your soul needs.

Edwards, a puritan preacher from the 1700's, was a main figure in the "Great Awakening" revival. He is considered to be the greatest American theologian and is recognized as a writer of incredible talent.

If your brain begins to shudder at the thought of reading Edwards and other great theologians, just simmer down. If you are like many people, you will find Jonathan Edwards is actually surprisingly readable and you will likely be greatly blessed by the richness of his writings.

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Quotes and Contemplations -- mini musings that just might change your life.

"Open your hearts to the love God instills... God loves you tenderly. What He gives you is not to be kept under lock and key but to be shared." Mother Teresa

"Love is an act of endless forgiveness." Jean Vanier

"If we want the advantages of love, then we must be willing to take the risks of love. And that requires vulnerability. Of course, we can refuse this path and trod another one devoid of openness. But the toll on such a road is extremely high." Charles (Chuck) R. Swindoll

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Great Web Resources -- Now about Spiritual Gifts...

Do you ever wonder what your purpose is or where you fit in to the church body? Having a sense of purpose is critical to one's sense of emotional and mental health. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 12 that the Holy Spirit gives to each believer spiritual gifts for the common good of the church.

If you are unsure of where you are called to serve in your church or what gifts and talents the Lord has uniquely equipped you with take a spiritual gifts inventory at Gifted 2 Serve .

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Medicine for the Soul -- (Proverbs 17:22)

Everybody enjoys a good laugh now and then! Especially if you've been under stress, there's nothing better for you then a great, big belly laugh to release some mood altering endorphins. If you want a good laugh check this out. (Disclaimer - Just be careful, I can't guarantee that there might not be some mildly offensive results.)

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In Closing...

I hope you enjoyed your issue of Your Christian Counseling Connection. If so please share it with others. At Christian-Counseling-Online.com you will find helpful tools, resources and information about love languages, relationships, tips for singles, depression, anxiety, communication , sexual addictions and much more.

Check back often as Christian-Counseling-Online is rapidly growing to give you the best Christian Counseling resources available on the web.

Until next time, I'm praying for God's richest blessings on your life and relationships,
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