Proverbs 15:17
Better is a dish of vegetables where love is than a fattened ox served with hatred.
People will give up a lot just get their hands around something they really want. A quick glance at today’s endless parade of daytime talk shows, reality TV, and get-rich-quick schemes proves my point. I guess that commodities such as comfort, self-respect, and moral fiber went out the window when Rich received his million dollar check on the first season of Survivor.
You have probably never sacrificed your body with the hope of getting rich on national television, but I imagine you have sold yourself short for a chance at getting ahead somewhere along the way. It’s a mistake that most of us have made… especially when it comes to loving others.
God gives you the opportunity to love someone every day. It’s your responsibility to make sure that you recognize that opportunity and make the correct decision. God won’t force you to love someone. It has to come from your own will… especially when it means giving up something you really enjoy.
I’ve missed opportunities to love my neighbor because I didn’t want to give up my weekend. I’ve chosen selfishness (and even anger) when love would comprise the plans I had already made. And, in the words of our author… I’ve chosen the fattened meat of an ox over a dish of vegetables.