The Joy of the Journey: Love

The Joy of the Journey

Love

 

February is love month! Valentine’s Day is coming soon.   Let’s face the stores had Valentine’s gifts, cards, and decor out before your Christmas presents were even opened.  That being the case, I thought we should address the topic of love from a biblical point of view.  Love is a central theme in the Bible, with numerous verses emphasizing the importance of loving both God and our neighbors. In fact, Jesus himself declared that loving God and loving others are the two greatest commandments. This article will explore the significance of loving God and loving people, drawing insights from Scripture to guide us in living out this essential aspect of our faith.

 

The foundation of our love for others is rooted in our love for God. In Deuteronomy 6:5, we are commanded to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and might. This call to wholehearted devotion underscores the priority of our relationship with God. When we love God above all else, our love for others flows out of that deep wellspring of affection for our Creator.

 

1 John 4:19 reminds us, “We love because he first loved us.” Our love for God is a response to His unfailing love for us. As we meditate on the depth of God’s love demonstrated through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, our hearts should be moved to love Him in return. This love relationship with God is the wellspring from which our love for others can truly flourish.

 

Jesus pairs the command to love God with the command to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:30-31). Our love for others is an outward expression of our love for God. The truth is if we do not truly love God it is almost impossible for us to truly express love in its purest way to others.  In 1 John 4:20, we are challenged: “If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.” Our love for God is evidenced by our love for others, particularly those around us whom we encounter daily.

 

In the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), Jesus illustrates the radical nature of loving our neighbors. The Samaritan goes out of his way to care for a wounded stranger, demonstrating sacrificial love and compassion. This story challenges us to break down barriers of prejudice and extend love to all, regardless of social status or background.

 

There are a few practical ways to love God and love people.  One of those ways is through prayer.  Prayer helps us to cultivate a deep, intimate relationship with God. Seek his guidance and strength in loving others selflessly. The second way is through immersing yourself in God’s Word to understand His heart and commands. We must let Scripture shape our attitudes and actions toward others.  A third way is through serving others. We need to look for opportunities to serve others in practical ways. Whether it’s volunteering at a local shelter or simply helping a neighbor in need, demonstrate Christ’s love through your actions.  Last of all is through forgiveness.  This can be the most difficult way to Love God and Love others.  By practicing forgiveness and reconciliation in our relationships, we truly show mercy and grace to others the way Jesus showed it to us. We are called to extend grace and mercy to others.

 

As we abide in God’s love and allow it to flow through us, we become vessels of His love in a broken world. Let us heed Jesus’ call to love God with all our being and to love our neighbors as ourselves, knowing that in doing so, we fulfill the greatest commandments and bear witness to the transformative power of God’s love in our lives.