Love finds no joy in unrighteousness but rejoices in truth. It bears all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.
1 Corinthians 13:6-8 HCSB
1 Corinthians chapter 13 is often referred to as the “love chapter”. It is often read at weddings and speaks of what true love really is. It begins by saying without love we have nothing. I don’t care how much money you have; it will never bring the contentment that true love brings. This chapter also speaks of how love is patient, kind, not envious, not boastful and not conceited (verse 4). In verse 5 it says that love does not act improperly, it not selfish, is not provoked, and does not keep a record of wrongs.
The word love, however, has become grossly overused in society today. We profess our love for things like food and clothes. Sadly, we also show little love for our neighbors or our fellow man or woman. Many fail to show God’s love to those around them. And we also fall short when it comes to showing God our love for Him.
We can speak of love, but our actions truly speak louder than our words. So, I want to ask you to take a minute to think about what says love to you.
My husband and I often say, “I love you” to each other, but it’s those little gestures that truly show our love for each other. For me, it’s when he steps in to help clean after I have been busy with other things or his picking up my favorite candy when he goes to the store. It’s when I’m not feeling well, and he brings me food, drink or medicine or whatever I need at that given time.
Simple gestures that don’t take a lot of time can speak volumes. God, however, did not use a simple gesture when it came to showing His love for us. He sent His only Son to be despised by men, humiliated, tortured and hung on a cross to die for our sins. He did this so we who believe in Him might have everlasting life (John 3:16).
Jesus showed His love for us in that He died for us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8). He sits at the right hand of God and intercedes for us (Romans 8:34). Jesus devoted Himself to showing us how we should live. He came to earth fully man and fully God. He suffered torment, humiliation and death on a cross to save us from our sins.
Does that say love to you? Does Jesus’ dying for you say He has this great love for you? If so, are you living your life in a way that shows Him the same kind of love?
When is the last time, you showed Jesus how much you love Him? When was the last time you helped someone else to show them God’s love? When was the last time you praised and worshipped Him? When was the last time you did something that spoke love to Jesus?
Nothing says love like laying down your life for someone you love (John 15:13), are you showing your love for Christ by surrendering your life to Him? Are you willing to forsake your sin and all others and put Him first in your life? Are you willing to commit to trust in Him and be obedient to Him?
Jesus said in John 15:10, “If you keep My commands you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commands and remain in His love.”
God created us to be in fellowship with Him. He created us to love Him as He loves us, but He gives us free will. You can accept this great love He has for us, or you can reject it. You can show Him love or you can love this world that is fading away, it’s your choice.
If you love the Lord, don’t just say it show it. Nothing says love like complete surrender. He surrendered His life to save yours. Are you willing to surrender yours to Him?
Have a great day!