What About Love?

Written by Barbara Alpert

We all experience love differently. What’s your love language?

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13)

The apostle Paul conveys the importance of love in his letter to the Christians living in Corinth. He wrote:

“…if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing…Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, 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…Love never fails…And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13: 2-13).

Often, human nature bases love on emotions and feelings. How we ‘feel’ determines how we treat others. This kind of love is not real. It is here today and gone tomorrow, like the passing of the seasons. However, God’s love flowing through us is steadfast love fueled with compassionate acts towards others, regardless of circumstance.

Jesus said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34) Clearly, love must be a prime focus in our daily living along with faith and hope in Jesus. Jesus promised, “If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever.” (John 14:15-16)

Jesus knew that on our own it would be impossible for us to love as God commands in His word. Fortunately, upon salvation we receive the Holy Spirit to help us mature and grow in agape love. Love is so important in God’s kingdom here on earth and in heaven it’s no wonder it is listed as the first fruit of the Holy Spirit, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy,…” (Galatians 5:22).

It is imperative that we work diligently with God’s indwelling Spirit to develop and grow in this vital fruit so we can love others, as He commands us to.

The apostle John wrote, “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.” (1 John 7-9)

The only way we develop and fully begin to comprehend and know God’s love is by studying and obeying His word and by accepting His unconditional love. Once God’s love begins to manifest itself within our hearts then it becomes a commodity streaming out of us and into the lives of others.

Father, Teach me the depths of your love for me that I might reflect that same love to others. Amen.

Question: Do you realize how much God loves you? How has your “love walk” been lately?

Tags: 1 Corinthians 13:13, agape love, Barbara Alpert, Devotional, God, love, spiritual growth, unconditional, Women

One Response to “What About Love?”

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Mike Raether says:

February 12, 2012 at 7:45 am

Another way to love God is realize that we fall short of loving Him per the Great Commandment and then ask Him to help us love Him as He want us to love Him. By His grace He will lead us there.