Does everyone need to be loved? If so, how do we love our internal (staff) and external customers? Here are a few thoughts I had on the topic, which, by the way, I need to work on.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts always hopes, and always perseveres.
Love is patient. Are we patient when we teach our team or our customers about our products? Are we patient when people don’t pay their bills on time? Do we rush through meetings because our schedule is so tight?
Love is kind. Are we kind in our speech; do we encourage not discourage? Do we look at what others’ needs are before we look at our own?
It does not envy. Are we encouraging growth even if it means our team or our customers leave our company?
It does not boast, it is not proud. Do we let our actions speak love and then give all the glory to God? Do we give credit for our success to our team and our customers?
It is not rude. How are our manners with those we touch every day; do we take time to say a simple please and thank you?
It is not self-seeking. How many thoughts have you had today about pleasing your customers or your team? How many times does “what I need” run through your mind?
It is not easily angered. Anger is a tool for change, not to change others but to change ourselves. So, when we get angry, do we burst out from our mouths and say things that are hurtful, or do hit the pause button and ask Jesus, “What do you want me to do or learn”? Anger is not appealing to you or anyone you deal with. Check your anger; suppressed anger will affect your success.
It keeps no record of wrongs. So, we say we don’t keep lists; if there are no physical lists, do we think we are off the hook? A question might be, “Do we think differently of that customer or team member after an offense, or do we let it go and start anew every day?”
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. We want the truth but tell me, are we always able to give truth? Truth can be hard at times, because of insecurities within. When we ask the Lord to strengthen and heal us, we become able to trust that the telling of the truth is safe. It allows us to look at where the truth lies in our hearts and the motives behind it. Your customers and your team watch your every move; what image have you created for them?
It always protects. Do you stand behind your team at all costs? Do you protect the image of your clients by never speaking negative words about them?
Always trusts. Do you trust that no one sets out to purposely hurt you? The wounded, wound; can you forgive?
Always hopes. Do you always believe that your customers and team members want the best for you? Or, are you always wondering where their next angle is coming from?
Always perseveres. Do we give up on someone just because we have been hurt or wronged, or do we still love them?
