Love
1 Corinthians 13:13(NLT) Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.
We are created in the image of God. Genesis 1:27(NIV) So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
Since God is love, our capacity to love and be loved reflects our divine nature. Love is a fundamental aspect of our being, and it connects us to the very nature of God.
1 John 4:8(NIV) Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
God’s ultimate act of love was demonstrated through Jesus Christ, who came to reconcile us to God through His sacrificial death and resurrection. Through faith in Jesus, we can experience forgiveness, restoration, and a renewed relationship with God.
One of the greatest commandments in the Bible is to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind. Matthew 22:37-39(NIV) Jesus replied: “’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
Love for God involves a deep devotion, reverence, and commitment to Him. It requires prioritising His will, seeking His presence, and experiencing intimacy with Him.
1 John 4:7-8(NIV) Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
John 15:13(NIV) Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
In conclusion –
Love IS:
Patient – Love is characterised by patience, which involves being slow to anger, enduring through difficult circumstances, and showing forbearance and understanding towards others.
Kind – Love is kind and compassionate. It involves being considerate, and gentle, and showing acts of kindness and goodness towards others.
Love is NOT:
Envious – Love does not envy or harbour jealousy towards others. It rejoices in the blessings and successes of others rather than feeling resentful or covetous.
Boastful – Love is not boastful or prideful. It does not seek to elevate itself above others or draw attention to its own accomplishments.
Proud – Love is humble and does not display arrogance or an inflated sense of self-importance.
Rude – Love is polite, respectful, and considerate in its interactions with others. It avoids being harsh or offensive.
Self-seeking – Love is selfless and does not pursue its own interests or selfish desires at the expense of others. It considers the well-being and needs of others as important as its own.
Easily angered – Love is not easily provoked or quick to anger. It demonstrates patience and a calm demeanour even in challenging situations.
Keeps No record of wrongs – Love forgives and does not hold grudges or keep a tally of past offences. It is willing to let go of grievances and extends grace and forgiveness.
Does Not delight in evil – Love has a discerning spirit and does not take pleasure in wrongdoing or celebrate when others experience harm or misfortune.
Rejoices in truth – Love finds joy in truth, honesty, and righteousness. It values and promotes integrity and uprightness.
Love always:
Protects – Love acts as a shield and defends the well-being, dignity, and interests of others. It seeks to safeguard and care for those it loves.
Trusts – Love places trust and faith in others, giving them the benefit of the doubt and believing in their goodness and potential.
Hopes – Love maintains a hopeful outlook, believing in the possibilities and the best outcome for others.
Perseveres – Love endures through difficulties, challenges, and trials. It does not give up easily but remains steadfast in its commitment and support.
Today, take a decision to love.