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1 Corinthians 13:13
And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Love. It covers sin. It drives out fear. It accepts. Never gives up. Doesn’t keep a record of wrong. It does no harm or wrong to anyone. It fulfills the law of God. It’s patient and kind. It is not prideful. It is not selfish or rude. It’s not easily angered or resentful. It rejoices in truth and is sad in injustice. It bears everything. It believes. It hopes. It endures always. It never ends.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Love is patient, love is kind, it is not envious. Love does not brag, it is not puffed up. It is not rude, it is not self-serving, it is not easily angered or resentful. It is not glad about injustice, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Galatians 5:14
For the whole law can be summed up in a single commandment, namely, “You must love your neighbor as yourself.”
1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears punishment has not been perfected in love.
1 Peter 4:8
Above all keep your love for one another fervent because love covers a multitude of sins.
Aspire to Love
We should aspire to be love in all we do, say and think. Humanly we can’t, but through God’s Spirit in us we can. God can show and teach us how to love, truly love. The world’s love is flawed, it’s is not God’s love. God’s love is higher.
1 Corinthians 16:14
Everything you do should be done in love.
Love God
We are told to love God with all our heart, mind, and soul. God created us. God cares about us. God loves us so much so that He died in our place taking our punishment for our sins. He did this so we can have life in Him and be made right with God by faith receiving salvation. For this alone we should love God with everything in us.
Matthew 22:37-38
Jesus said to him, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.
Love God First
Above all we are to love God. He is to be first in our life above everything else. Family, friends, interest, hobbies, career, goals, hopes, dreams and everything else is to be second. Because God is our creator and loved us before we loved Him, His will and His Kingdom should be first. Even our needs are to be second. For Christ said to seek the Kingdom of God first and when we do that all else including our needs will be met and fulfilled in God’s grace towards us.
When we place God first, seek Him before anything else, we will be filled with His peace and presence in our lives. Let’s set our mind on Him each morning and throughout the each day. Talk to Him as we go through our lives. Read His Word and soak it in while letting His Spirit teach you through the words. Keep focusing on God and watch Him work in our hearts and minds transforming us into His likeness while meeting all our needs and desires.
Psalms 105:4
Seek the LORD and the strength he gives. Seek his presence continually.
Matthew 6:33
But above all pursue his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Romans 12:12
Rejoice in hope, endure in suffering, persist in prayer.
Isaiah 40:31
But those who wait for the LORD’s help find renewed strength; they rise up as if they had eagles’ wings, they run without growing weary, they walk without getting tired.
How do we love God?
We love God by the way we live, through worship, in fellowship, prayer, praise and abiding in Christ as we live each day.
1 John 4:19
We love because he loved us first.
Every moment we can choose to live for Christ. We can show God’s love to others throughout our day. We can be a witness to Christ in our life. We can give God’s love everywhere we go.
We worship God for who He is and what He has done. Continually seeking God and keeping our focus on Him. We gain gratitude and are humbled by God’s presence and everything He does in and through us. Our love for Him grows as we worship Him.
We fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ tied together by our faith and individual testimony. Through fellowship with God’s children we find hope and peace and God’s love surrounding us. By this we love God through the community of believers as we connect and care for each other.
Prayer brings us close to God. It opens communication with the one who created us and knows everything about us. Prayer comforts and encourages. When we pray God listens and cares. He moves when we believe by faith. He draws close and we can feel His love. When we thank God and seek His wisdom in prayer we are loving Him back.
In gratitude we respond with praise. Thanksgiving overflows in our hearts. We praise God because we love Him. He loves us first and so we love and praise Him in return. Giving God praise strengthens our faith and broadens our view.
Abiding in Christ each day because of our love for Him keeps us close to God. We see with eyes of faiththe world around us. We love others deeper, we are moved by our love for Christ and His love in us. He produces the fruit of the spirit in our lives. Through that we plant seeds of faith in others lives. Peace and joy become ours as we love Him and walk with Him.
Ephesians 4:1 -7
Therefore I, the prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live worthily of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, putting up with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you too were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
2 Corinthians 5:14-15
For the love of Christ controls us, since we have concluded this, that Christ died for all; therefore all have died. And he died for all so that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised.
1 John 3-5
For this is the love of God: that we keep his commandments. And his commandments do not weigh us down, because everyone who has been fathered by God conquers the world. This is the conquering power that has conquered the world: our faith. Now who is the person who has conquered the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
Love all People
Everyone is made in the image of God and is loved by Him. Put others needs first and don’t exalt yourself to highly. We are all human and have faults. We are each broken in some way. As God’s children we are made whole in Him and therefore we love with Christ’s love.
Philippians 2:3-4
Instead of being motivated by selfish ambition or vanity, each of you should, in humility, be moved to treat one another as more important than yourself. Each of you should be concerned not only about your own interests, but about the interests of others as well.
Our Witness
We can be a great witness just by loving others. People will know we are God’s children just by the love we show each day. They will be drawn to Christ by the love we give.
Through our actions and words we can show God’s love to others. We can be intentional each day to love others as Christ loves them. We can be a breath of fresh air in a world growing colder every day. The love of many maybe going out, but we as children of God can be the light to those around us.
John 13:35
Everyone will know by this that you are my disciples—if you have love for one another.”
Matthew 24:12
and because lawlessness will increase so much, the love of many will grow cold.
Pray for All People
Prayer is a way of loving people. Care and concern are portrayed through prayer when we bring others before God. He loves them too and when we pray He hears.
By praying for others we put aside any pride or ego and bring ourselves in alignment with God’s will for all people. It brings unity and peace. Through prayer we can sympathize, gain understanding, and see people through eyes of faith and with Christ’s love and compassion. We find the heart of God for all people, that they may come to know Him.
1 Timothy 2:1-4
First of all, then, I urge that requests, prayers, intercessions, and thanks be offered on behalf of all people, even for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. Such prayer for all is good and welcomed before God our Savior, since he wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
Give to Others
Whether something tangible or emotional we can give to others each day. We can have impact on the lives of others. Simply by being kind, gentle and patient we can love those around us and show them Christ.
Helping those around us by providing for their needs, supporting them and being there for them, encouraging and sharing with them brings fellowship and community. It brings us together on common ground and gives us purpose.
1 Timothy 6:18-19
Tell them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, to be generous givers, sharing with others. In this way they will save up a treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the future and so lay hold of what is truly life.
Love Brothers and Sisters in Christ
Especially among believers we are to love each other. We are each His children and body of Christ. We are part of God’s Kingdom. We are who Christ died for and rose again to wipe our sins clean and give us true life. God gives to each of us as His children a measure of faith and a unique calling in Him.
If we don’t love each other in Christ as Christ loves us, how can we love other people or witness for Christ? Love for others should start with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Then it will radiate out to the world.
1 John 2:10-11
The one who loves his fellow Christian resides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. But the one who hates his fellow Christian is in the darkness, walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded his eyes.
1 John 4:21
And the commandment we have from him is this: that the one who loves God should love his fellow Christian too.
Romans 14:19
So then, let us pursue what makes for peace and for building up one another.
Romans 12:3-4
For by the grace given to me I say to every one of you not to think more highly of yourself than you ought to think, but to think with sober discernment, as God has distributed to each of you a measure of faith. For just as in one body we have many members, and not all the members serve the same function.
1 John 5:2
By this we know that we love the children of God: whenever we love God and obey his commandments.
Love our Enemies
We are commanded to love our enemies.
If we love only those who are good to us, those we like, then we are just like the world, just like others.
God’s love is different. We are to love like Him. To forgive and love those who hurt us. Even those who we just don’t like or care for, we are to love, because God loves them. God loves and forgives us no matter what we do or how many times we disappoint Him. We are to be like our father in Heaven.
Matthew 5:43-48
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor’ and ‘hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemy and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be like your Father in heaven, since he causes the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Even the tax collectors do the same, don’t they? And if you only greet your brothers, what more do you do? Even the Gentiles do the same, don’t they? So then, be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
How do we Love our Enemies?
This can only be done through God’s help. It’s not in our human nature. Through His Spirit in us we can love anyone like He loves. If we pray for strength and understanding to love others God will give it to us. He will help us love the difficult.
Colossians 3:13
bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if someone happens to have a complaint against anyone else. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also forgive others.
Ephesians 4:2
with all humility and gentleness, with patience, putting up with one another in love,
Love our Neighbor
When we love others as we love ourselves we bring peace and harmony. This fulfills God plan and desire for His creation. It unites us together as humanity.
Romans 13:8
Owe no one anything, except to love one another, for the one who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.
Matthew 22:39
The second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
Who is Our Neighbor?
Everyone around us is our neighbor. Those we come in contact with during our day. Those we see on a regular basis and those we don’t. Coworkers, friends, next door neighbors, people who serve us, those we pass by along our way.
Jesus was asked who is a neighbor. Jesus responded with a story. The story of the Good Samaritan. A traveler was beaten and robbed. Three men saw the traveler laying injured on the side of the road and two passed by on the other side. Only one came to his aid. The traveler was a neighbor to the other two who passed by, but they didn’t love him, instead they showed indifference and ignored him. One cared and loved him. That is who we are supposed to be. To show compassion and concern for those around us.
Luke 10:29-30
But the expert, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him up, and went off, leaving him half dead.
Luke 10:33-34
But a Samaritan who was traveling came to where the injured man was, and when he saw him, he felt compassion for him. He went up to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring olive oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
How do we Love Our Neighbor?
By treating them like we would want. Love them unconditionally as God loves us. Care and listen to them. Don’t rush by. Let God’s Spirit guide you. Through His eyes we can see others as He sees them and learn to love them the way God loves them.
Through our actions, words and relationships we show love or contempt for people around us and in our lives. Think about how we treat others and how we would want treated. Love, empathy, compassion, care, respect and kindness all can be learned and grow within us as we follow Christ. We can let Him show us.
Luke 10:36-37
Which of these three do you think became a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” The expert in religious law said, “The one who showed mercy to him.” So Jesus said to him, “Go and do the same.”
James 2:8
But if you fulfill the royal law as expressed in this scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well.
Live Peacefully with Everyone
We can share God’s love with everyone around us. Each day as we walk with Christ we can ask Him to show us how to love others, ways to love those we come in contact with during our day, to see others as God sees them. In faith we can see the world around us with the love of God.
At work, in school, at lunch, in class, in meetings, running errands, in our entertainment, all throughout our lives we can choose peace, God’s peace.
Romans 12:18
If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all people.
Ephesians 4:3
making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
How do we Live in Peace?
Listen, be patient, support, encourage, comfort and do everything with and in God’s love. Be open to God’s guidance each moment and seek Him. Through God’s help by His Spirit within us we can live at peace with everyone. God shows us His love every day. We can reflect the love of God and He can teach us.
1 Corinthians 14:33
for God is not characterized by disorder but by peace.
James 3:18
And the fruit that consists of righteousness is planted in peace among those who make peace.
Growing in Christ’s Love
Keeping focused on Christ centers our lives around God. Reading His Word regularly and spending time with God opens our eyes and hearts. It draws us nearer to God. We grow in our faith, understanding, and love.
Ephesians 4:15-16
But practicing the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ, who is the head. From him the whole body grows, fitted and held together through every supporting ligament. As each one does its part, the body builds itself up in love.
Love Ties Everything Together
Everything should be done in love as God does. Love is the motivation. It is the force and passion in purpose. God calls us to love. Jesus lived love. His life shows us how. Through His strength we can live out His love.
Romans 12:14-21
Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Do not repay anyone evil for evil; consider what is good before all people. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all people. Do not avenge yourselves, dear friends, but give place to God’s wrath, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Rather, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing this you will be heaping burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Philippians 2:1-2
Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort provided by love, any fellowship in the Spirit, any affection or mercy, complete my joy and be of the same mind, by having the same love, being united in spirit, and having one purpose.
Romans 14:1-13
Now receive the one who is weak in the faith, and do not have disputes over differing opinions. One person believes in eating everything, but the weak person eats only vegetables. The one who eats everything must not despise the one who does not, and the one who abstains must not judge the one who eats everything, for God has accepted him. Who are you to pass judgment on another’s servant? Before his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand. One person regards one day holier than other days, and another regards them all alike. Each must be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day does it for the Lord. The one who eats, eats for the Lord because he gives thanks to God, and the one who abstains from eating abstains for the Lord, and he gives thanks to God. For none of us lives for himself and none dies for himself. If we live, we live for the Lord; if we die, we die for the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. For this reason Christ died and returned to life, so that he may be the Lord of both the dead and the living. But you who eat vegetables only—why do you judge your brother or sister? And you who eat everything—why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. For it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow to me, and every tongue will give praise to God.” Therefore, each of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore we must not pass judgment on one another, but rather determine never to place an obstacle or a trap before a brother or sister.
Colossians 3:12-17
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if someone happens to have a complaint against anyone else. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also forgive others. And to all these virtues add love, which is the perfect bond. Let the peace of Christ be in control in your heart (for you were in fact called as one body to this peace), and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and exhorting one another with all wisdom, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, all with grace in your hearts to God. And whatever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
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