This Is How You Love

We’ve talked about the love the Lord has for us and the love we should have for Him; however, we cannot talk about love and ignore the other of the two commandments Jesus gave us: love your neighbor as you love yourself. If ever we need to heed those words, it is now. Facing bitter divisions within our country, our families and our neighbors, it’s time for us to return to His ways. He did not say love those who are just like you. He said love everyone, including your enemies.

How did we get so far away from this commandment? What became more important than the Word of Jesus? We need to look carefully within our hearts and eliminate whatever thoughts, issues, opinions or lies that have turned our hearts away from our brothers and sisters. This is how important love is:

“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:1-2

No matter our gifts or knowledge; no matter how strong our faith; and no matter what we do, it is all nothing to the Lord unless we have love. Loving others is so much more important than anything else. The Word tells us we are nothing and we gain nothing without love. Love is what makes life easier to handle and brings us such hope and joy. If that is true, why is it so hard for us sometimes?

Perhaps it’s because we need to be reminded of what love is and how to pour it out on others. Thank God we have the Word and the Holy Spirit to guide us. So just in case you’ve forgotten, this is how you love.

“Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails…
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-8, 13

Now go love someone today. Show the love of Jesus in every encounter you have.

Prayer

Lord,

I love You with all my heart, and with all my soul, and with all my mind, and with all my strength. Help me to love my neighbor as myself. I will not do anything out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility I will value others above myself, not looking to my own interests but to the interests of the others. In this way I will show my love for You and bring You honor. Amen!


Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

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