December 20, 2007

 

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.

 

--1 Corinthians 13:4-8

 

Love is one of the greatest gifts that God has given to each of us as believers. Not only does He love you and me, but He’s gifted us with the ability to love others. And what an important ability that is!

 

As believers in Jesus Christ, we are called to love people, no matter their background, color, race, or religion. Why? Because God loves people and He called each of us to love as He loves.

 

And how do you love people like God loves people? One way is to look for a need and meet it. Maybe the person you sit next to at work needs some encouragement or just a simple, “How are you doing today?” And I don’t mean a “How are you doing today?” that is just small talk, but really taking the time to listen to their answer and understand what they are going through.

 

Or, maybe a server you had at a restaurant this week needed to know you valued and appreciated their service. There are so many opportunities to show your love to people! I would encourage you to ask God to open your eyes to opportunities to love and serve those around you each day.

 

Over and over again in the Scripture, we see how Jesus loved those around Him… how He empathized and felt for those who were hurting or in need.

 

Today, I want to encourage you to go out of your way to offer a word of encouragement or to help someone in need… like Jesus did.

 

I know you’re busy… I know you’ve got lots on your plate… but you never know… that someone you help or encourage might see the love of Jesus in you and come to know Him!

 

Love is one of the greatest gifts that God has given to each of us as believers.