Love Is...and Love Is Not....

10/18/2020 

3 John 7 “For His name’s sake they went forth.”

God wants to be number one in my life, and He wants my actions towards others to reflect the love that I know through Him. Chambers writes, “Loyalty to Jesus Christ is the supernatural work of the Redemption wrought in me by the Holy Ghost Who shed abroad the love of God in my heart, and that love works efficaciously though me in contact with everyone I meet.” We cannot choose who we show love to, because God expects us to love everyone. This kind of love is often lost in the world today. Sure, we see people on the news or social media that do kind and loving things for those around them, but what we have mostly been fed is a steady diet of pervasive hatred and anger. Even people of faith have fallen into this snare of the evil one.

So, I encourage you, dear reader, to check yourself against the verses in 1 Corinthians 13, which is known as the Love Chapter. My husband and I do this periodically to see how we are doing in our relationship, but I have not really checked myself in light of how I am treating others. Do I walk in righteous indignation or extreme piety where others are concerned, and use the Bible as justification for such behavior? Am I able to listen to those who hold different opinions, and speak to them in love and compassion? Do “hot button” issues cause discord and separation from others? Am I loving out loud and reflecting the truth of Jesus’ love and grace for all? If I am not, this must change. I must seek forgiveness and guidance from my Savior. I must pursue wisdom. I must love others out loud with the same mercy and grace that I seek.

I remember a one frame comic I saw as a child. It featured two little kids, always started with “Love is...” and then filled in the remainder with different ways to show love. These were cute, but were more about what we would consider romantic love. Romantic love is ordained by God, but there is a higher love that we need to have for others. In 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8, the model of love is laid out for us, and although often read at weddings, we are all called to express love to everyone around us. So, let us look at the original and sacred “Love is… and what Love is not…” and reflect upon how we are doing.

 

Love is…patient

Love is…kind

Love does not… envy

Love does not…. boast

Love is not… proud

Love is not… rude

Love is not…self-seeking

Love is not... easily angered

Love… keeps no record of wrongs

Love does not… delight in evil

Love…rejoices with the truth

Love always… protects

Love always… trusts

Love always… hopes

Love always… perseveres

Love never… fails

I could certainly be doing much better. How about you?