Devotionals

Love

Introduction

Love. It's a word that we hear often in our society. We love our phones, we love our friends, we love our family, we love our life. But do we really? Are we just saying what we want people to hear or do we really mean the words we say? It's important to love others, and not just because God commands us to. There's a certain kind of joy when you love others freely and without cause. So let's take a look at what love really looks like and how we can show God's love to other people.

Love is _______. What do you think love is? Is love being happy or having nice things? Is love getting along with your family and friends? What is love? There's not necessarily right or wrong answers, but the Bible does provide us with some really powerful statements on what love is to those who follow Christ. Check out 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a.

"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."

Now you may have heard those verses before, but even if you have, they're really powerful when you take the time to stop and really allow the words to sink in. Focus on the first sentence: love is patient, love is kind. Although it's short, sweet, and to the point, its meaning is crazy big. When you're being patient with someone, you're choosing to love them. This verse also means that love is gonna take some time. If it seems like you'll never find 'the one', just be patient. Love will find you when you're ready.
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Just a quick side note about the phrase 'love is patient': I'm not saying that love can't happen quickly. I know a couple who are middle-aged and got married within a few months of 'meeting' each other. I say 'meeting' because they knew of each other through mutual friends although they had never really hung out before. Anyway, the point is that most of time love takes a while. It's not usually going to be quick and painless. There's some exceptions, but love is patient unless otherwise stated. Okay? Okay.

Here's another way to look at love: not romantically. Most people associate love with dating and marriage and all that romantic stuff, but love is so much more than that. In fact, I made a YouTube video based on some great quotes and ideas from a fantastic Christian author named Chad Eastham that was all about love. I'll add it onto this chapter. Anyway, love doesn't have to be romantic. Read this side note in my bible (True Image NIV) that discusses love perfectly.

"When you think about being in love, what comes to mind? Moonlit nights, starry-eyed gazes? Love is far more than romantic feelings. Genuine love is a choice to act a certain way, regardless of how you feel. Love is patient when you're frustrated, kind when others are unkind. Love always seeks the good of the other person. Love doesn't get mad easily or hold grudges. Love is trusting, protective, hopeful, and strong. Think you're 'in love'? Would your love pass this test? How about your love for your family and friends? True love is to love as God loves."

As we close, I pray that God will show you and me to love as He loves, to love our enemies and those we don't get along with. Let's show kindness, mercy, and forgiveness to those who may not deserve it (according to our standards). I ask God to help all of us Christ followers to treat everyone as he would: with love. Have a great day, and my challenge for you is to do something you wouldn't normally do. Talk with someone who may seem lonely, give advice to someone who is lost or needs help in life, be nice to your siblings. Better yet, let God know that you're thankful for them. They may get on your nerves sometimes, but you wouldn't be the same without them. Make someone's day, do anything, really; as long as you do it in love.