And though I have the ability to show, not tell, and understand the intricacies of grammar and know how to submit a properly formatted manuscript; and though I find an agent who is able to get my book published, and have not love, I may as well write nothing.
And though I use my writing to help a non-profit group, and though I give all the proceeds from my writing away, and have not love, I have accomplished nothing.
Love causes me to work diligently on writing projects, and to be gentle in my critiques of others' writing. Love means I'm not upset when another writer receives first place in the writing contest, but when I do win I humbly thank God for the ability He's given me, recognizing that without Him I wouldn't be writing at all.
Love doesn't put down other writers to make my writing look better, doesn't gloat over other writers' failures, isn't upset when someone suggests more editing is needed, and accepts a rejection letter as an opportunity to explore other opportunities.
Love does not change content merely to please a publisher or make more money. Love insists on sharing a difficult message with gentleness, in obedience to God.
Love keeps me writing in spite of writer's block, encourages me to hone my writing skills so that I can express myself more clearly, and directs me to continue submitting despite numerous rejections.
Love never fails. Fiction will fail. Non-fiction will not always be published. Books may someday vanish...
So let us do all our writing in the context of God's love and for His glory.
(Education information)
www.ruthlsnyder.com
(Ruth's writing and family life)
www.earlyyearssuccess.com
(Information for caregivers of children ages 0-5)
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I love this piece, Ruth! It's creative and delivers a punch as clearly as the original.
ReplyDeleteWonderful....
I love what you've written and the wonderful way you've written.Yes, we need to apply 1Corinthian 13 in our writing too. Thank you for sharing such beautiful thoughts.
ReplyDeleteThis speaks to me.
ReplyDeleteThanks, ladies. I was given the assignment to write 1 Corinthians 13 for students when I was in Bible School at Prairie. Sometimes we forget that God is intimately involved in all we do. I enjoyed the exercise, and was challenged by the thoughts as I wrote them.
ReplyDeleteRuth, what a great assignment... the possibilities of how a person could re-write it seem endless.
ReplyDeleteAn amazing piece of writing, Ruth. Loved it!
ReplyDeleteWOW! I'm not sure what else to say. this is amazing, Ruth. I love it and now I'm going to share it ALL OVER!
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome...I want to blow it up and pin it to my writing room door...Thank you for sharing it
ReplyDeleteThanks for your encouragement. May we all be filled with God's love and write for HIM!
ReplyDeleteGreat job, Ruth...I think this is such a good encourager and directive for all writers. Super challenge for us all! Nicely written.
ReplyDeleteThis resonated for me as well. I can see how the Lord was teaching you, refining you, as you worked through the assignment, and those of us who are reading it as well. Such a good God we have!
ReplyDeleteLovely!
ReplyDeleteYou've expanded the "Love Chapter" to be much more personal to my life--thank you so much, Ruth!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Ramona :)
ReplyDelete