The Love God Calls Us To

By Pastor Steve Pierce

There are parts of the Bible that are poetic masterpieces. There are parts that bring instant clarity to fundamental truths. When those two combine, the language and the lesson become extraordinary. For me I see the majesty of God’s Word, brought together as truth and beauty in many verses, including the following.

“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. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.” (1 Cor 13:4-8, ESV)

Slowly read Paul’s words above. As you read them, take a moment to see if the love you share with others is biblically true or not. Paul writes that love does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. Do you find that you get enjoyment when others fail? That isn’t love as God intended. Do you get impatient with those you love, are you unkind to those you love, are you rude to those you love, do you hold grudges? If the answer is yes, your definition of love is not God’s.

Choose true love, the kind of love that builds others up, that encourages others, that is contagious and filled with truth and grace. Offer grace to others and accept grace that is given to you. If you need to change your love style, its not too late. If you aren’t sure how well you love, ask those who receive your love. Listen and learn and then change if you need to. Ask someone who loves well, how they do it. And above all else, go to the source of love, God. He loves you and offers you a way to Him through his Son, Jesus. No greater love has been shared in all eternity than the love of Jesus that was shared with all of humanity, even you. We can all learn to love others better. Make the choice.