How you love others will define your life. People will remember you at your funeral NOT so much for what you accomplished, but how you loved them.
Were you kind? Did you encourage them? Did you serve them? Did you give up on them? Were you there for them?
It’s been a rough few months for my family. There’s been sickness, heart problems, grief, medications, doctor’s visits, and broken bones. Through these trials, I’ve learned what true, real love is.
I’ve learned what true friendship looks like, and I’ve learned why it’s so important to have a church family who can pray for you, support you, and love on you.
The world will tell us that love is something different than what God wants for our lives or what God says that it looks like. The world will tell us that love is conditional and has barriers. The world will tell us that love can be bought with money and comfort.
Love is NOT passion, desire, or sex. It’s NOT giving up or giving in when it gets hard. It’s NOT judgement or jealousy.
There’s a whole lot of misconception these days about what real love is.
I’ll be the first one to say that I’ve botched up love more than once. I have a natural tendency toward anger…this can be hard for me. But thankfully, Jesus gives me another chance each time to try again and get it right.
So, let’s take a look at part of how Jesus defines love in 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 GNT. Afterall, Jesus is love. He KNOWS…
“Love is patient and kind; it is not jealous or conceited or proud; love is not ill-mannered or selfish or irritable; love does not keep a record of wrongs; love is not happy with evil, but is happy with the truth. Love never gives up; and its faith, hope, and patience never fail.”
*On the days when you are running short on patience, choose a time out for yourself, and then choose kindness instead.
*Some people think that if someone is jealous for them, then it’s love. Nope, that’s not what Jesus says.
*Love is not conceited or prideful and doesn’t think that it is always right.
*Love doesn’t get angry when pushed to the limit and doesn’t lash out at the other person.
*It’s so easy to think that you are entitled to your hurt and keep a record of it. It’s very easy to do this in a marriage. But God says no, real love forgives by not keeping a record of the bad things that your partner did to you.
*Love always chooses the truth over lies.
*Love simply NEVER gives up. When it gets hard, you don’t get to throw in the towel and call it quits.
*Love waits, is hopeful, and patient. I’m talking the years kind of waiting. God’s timing is always PERFECT!
You can’t force others to love you this way. You can only control how you choose to love. God gives us a perfect model of how to love others. And this is the way He loves us. Meditate on it. Memorize it. And check yourself by it.
A PRAYER: Father God in heaven, please help us to love others the way you have shown us to love. Please help us to understand what true love looks like and how to live it out in our lives. Help us to ignore the conditional love of the world, but instead focus on your unconditional love. We love you Father, and are so blessed by you. All this we ask in the holy and powerful name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Be Blessed,
AllisonD
