Today as I read this I noticed more things that are on the list that hit me square in the face. As we mature and we grow, which should never stop, we must understand love and showing the love of God in our lives. These qualities are hard when we try in our own strength to say we love someone, but these take asking God for help and learning as we have a relationship with Him.
There are many things that love is not, but I say let’s really focus on the things that love is. Love is patient and kind, love never gives up, never loses faith, it is always hopeful and endures through all circumstances. Are we showing this kind of love? I know I am struggling in certain areas and need to improve and remember it is in Christ where I get my strength. When we can understand that we are not, all that, we can surrender our will and let the Spirit lead us, and that helps keep us focused on glorifying God not ourselves.
This really makes me appreciate what Jesus said in Matthew chapter 20 verse 16, “So those who are last now will be first then, and those who are first will be last.” We so easily get caught up in others and what they are doing when God wants us to just shine and be there for others in love. We must challenge fellow believers with truth but we must show them love first. When we understand that God is love and He sent Jesus down to show us true love we can open our heart to grow.
Jesus says in John chapter 17 verse 23, “I am in them and you are in Me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent Me and that you love them as much as you love Me.” Love is so important as we learn to be like Christ, it helps us see everyone as a creation of God and it should motivate us all to be the best we can for Christ. Amen