1 John 4:7 (NIV)~ Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.The word love gets thrown around so casually these days. People are so quick to say they love someone or something. But I’m learning that real love is not about words. Love is experienced through actions. God is love and when we receive and accept God’s love, it should be shown through our actions towards one another. Here are some thoughts on what love looks like:
1. Love serves others without looking for or expecting something in return; it’s unconditional.
2. Love is giving of yourself to something bigger than you; going beyond your personal needs, desires, or comfort zone.
3. Love is not critical or judgmental but accepts a person for who and where they are and encourages them to grow and become all that God has planned for them.
4. Love is investing in the spiritual, mental and emotional growth of others. It’s helping others to know and experience the love of God.
5. Love is sharing your true self, including your vulnerabilities
6. Love is being committed to the person and the relationship by being truthful and honest.
7. Love is holding one another accountable
8. Love is standing by the person and pushing through the difficult issues and situations.
9. Love is disciplining or offering constructive criticism when needed
10. Love is God; our love towards others should look like God’s love towards us
I must admit I have not always lived out these actions and I am still very much a work in process. But I have learned that love is a choice. We must choose to do the actions that show others love, but too often we are too busy loving our self to do these things. Instead we allow ego, pride, and fear to keep us from experiencing this wonderful gift from God. It is through our human relationships and the love that we share with one another that we are able to experience God’s love. We become God’s love in the flesh. If we sow love, we will reap love. So if you are feeling unloved, you may need to answer the question, “how am I loving others?”
Prayer: Lord, I thank You for loving us and teaching us through Your word how to love one another. It is my prayer that our love will not just be in words but that our actions will say it all. Today, I choose to love; use me as a vessel to show others Your love. In Jesus name, Amen.
Purpose in Action: How are your actions reflect love? What does love look like to you?
For His Purpose,
LiKeisha
Leave a Reply