It was exciting to start our Love Does series on Sunday. You might use the word love in reference to anything from a slice of pizza to another person! There are so many different kinds of love, and it’s a word people take for granted. The Bible even distinguishes love from other virtues: “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13, NIV). When you love, you do something about it. Real love does!
Agape love is a supernatural kind of love (that comes from God). Jesus demonstrated this love on the cross when He died for you. When the church is functioning like it should, it looks like Jesus! Can you imagine a deeper way to express love than dying to save others? This is love doing something! What Jesus did on the cross truly shows that love is the greatest of all time.
“…because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people— the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel…” (Colossians 1:4-5, NIV). Virtues generate other virtues! And when you’re walking out your life in a loving way, that will affect every part of your life and bless the people around you. Real love generates both faith and love. In fact, anything you do in the name of Christ—but that isn’t in love—isn’t really for Christ. You have to have the right heart!
I like to ask people what they can start doing today to make a difference in the world. Today, focus on love. Love God first, making Him your priority. Next, love people. Everyone around you—at home, at work, etc.—is going through something. Something that speaks louder than words is your love. Be there for someone experiencing loss and grief. Lend a listening ear to someone who just needs to talk. It’s such an honor to shine your light for Christ!