How well do you love? Do you love sincerely? Are you devoted to loving others? Do you honor others with love? Do you share the same love that God has for you?
We see a lot of hate in our world. It may be two countries who have been warring with one another for decades that we see continuing to squabble. It may be two groups of people who despise one another. It may simply be a couple of people arguing two opposing points.
Not all arguments are a result of hate. Many of them are a result of passionate beliefs that happen to oppose one another. Often the passion gets in the way of learning the opposing viewpoint. Though this may not be hate, it is also not love.
Hate is a very strong word. Yet, so is love. Love is the only thing that can overcome evil. Love will overcome disagreement. Love will overcome obstinance. Love will overcome discord. Love will overcome jealousy. Love will overcome hate.
We are to be passionate people. We are to be passionate about loving others. We are to be committed to loving others. Being passionate and committed to loving others puts us in God’s will for our lives. It helps us to see others the way God sees them. We see their struggles. We see their faults and love them anyway.
As we pursue and grow in the same kind of love God has for us, we see the entire world differently. Our lives change for the better. We have more joy. We have hope. Our patience is improved. We become more faithful. We are more willing to forgive.
Our love increases when we realize that God loves us. We often acknowledge God loves us intellectually, but we don’t fully comprehend it in our hearts. When we finally do, our whole outlook on life will change. We will have passion for the things that God has a passion for.
If we don’t yet fully comprehend how much God loves us, we should pray. We should pray every day that God show us how much He loves us. We should spend more time with other Christians, especially those that we see are mature and love like God does. We should ask questions and study God’s Word. God will reveal His love to us.
I pray each of us come to realize God’s love for us. I pray we all devote ourselves to love others. I pray we develop a sincere love for God and for others. Seek to understand God’s love for you. Pray that He reveals His love for you. Decide to love others as God loves you.
Romans 12:9-13 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Marty Pressey 