Love Is

 by Macy Johnson

“Love is not rude, it is not self-seeking,

it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”

(1 Corinthians 13:5 NIV)

 

Children in a TV commercial were asked what love is. Each had a unique answer, birthed in their young hearts. Their responses made me wonder how quickly we pass over the true meaning of love.

 

Love, pure and simple, is Christ imitated in the lives of His children. Jesus said love is giving up your life for another, just like He did for us on the cross. God puts people in our lives so we can love them for Him. Love is standing in the place of Jesus on this earth, emulating His perfection, loving our enemies, and praying for them.

 

Love is:

-      writing letters and sharing God’s love with family and friends

-      financially supporting missionaries and anyone in need

-      cooking someone’s favorite meal

-      attending a concert or going fishing or shopping with them - doing things you normally wouldn’t do to show love to that person

-      including others in your activities, especially when it is not convenient

-      accepting people with their quirky ways and different beliefs

-      looking for the good in others to encourage them along the way

-   forgiving all offenses

 

St. Francis of Assisi summarized it beautifully in his prayer, “where there is hatred, let me sow love.” Animosity abounds in our world, creating endless opportunities to counteract with love. We don’t have to look far.

 

So often, by God’s design, we are unaware of the wonderful ways He uses us in His kingdom. Be encouraged and reminded that you are Christ’s love to this broken, lost, confused world, even if you don’t realize it.

 

I will thank God for ways to walk and talk in His love today. I hope you will, too!