Today’s topic is on love. Since this is the month for Valentine’s day, and we’re still thinking about hearts and flowers and pink and chocolate(!!), we thought it would be good to talk about love and if we are exhibiting the love of Christ to those around us.
Here is an acronym for love that we came across recently:
L - Listening when another is speaking
O - Overlooking petty faults and forgiving all failures
V - Valuing other people for who they are
E - Expressing love in a practical way
(Seeds of Greatness, Dennis Waitley)
Before you say - “wait! I can’t do that. I can’t show love to everyone around me!” remember that it’s not your love, but the love of God that the Holy Spirit brings to you to give. The fruit of the Spirit is --- what? The first fruit mentioned is love! There's a source for love beyond myself to tap into. It's available! Through the power of the Holy Spirit, I can do things I couldn’t... feel things I didn’t... know things I wouldn’t... show things I normally wouldn’t. So, first you have to be connected to God’s love. You have to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Ephesians 3:16-19, filled with Him. He transforms us and renews our mind so that we think differently! He gives us a healthy heart. be willing to let God love others through you!
Here is something from Sheri Rose Shepherd - special words written as if they were being said by Christ Himself to you:
I believe if the Lord was going to invite you to dinner tonight He may send you a letter that reads like this.....
My Beloved,
I am knocking at the door of your heart and hoping you will dine with me. If you will open the door I will come in. I prepared a feast for you my beloved. Will you accept my invitation? I long to feed your hungry soul until you are completely satisfied. Let your prince come in and nourish your spirit, your mind and your body. I am the only one who truly can.
Love your Prince Jesus
Look, I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and I come in and we will share a meal together as friends Revelation 3:20 (NLT) This verse isn’t talking about salvation, but about your fellowship with Christ. Once you are saved and you do believe and trust in God’s way of salvation from sin through Jesus Christ, you do need to grow and nourish your relationship with Him. It’s as if He’s saying: I’m here. Be filled by Me. I will satisfy you and can supply you with everything you need for life and godliness... and that includes the ability to love others! 1John 4:11
I am knocking at the door of your heart and hoping you will dine with me. If you will open the door I will come in. I prepared a feast for you my beloved. Will you accept my invitation? I long to feed your hungry soul until you are completely satisfied. Let your prince come in and nourish your spirit, your mind and your body. I am the only one who truly can.
Love your Prince Jesus
Look, I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and I come in and we will share a meal together as friends Revelation 3:20 (NLT) This verse isn’t talking about salvation, but about your fellowship with Christ. Once you are saved and you do believe and trust in God’s way of salvation from sin through Jesus Christ, you do need to grow and nourish your relationship with Him. It’s as if He’s saying: I’m here. Be filled by Me. I will satisfy you and can supply you with everything you need for life and godliness... and that includes the ability to love others! 1John 4:11
So, let’s break it down. L-O-V-E.
Listening -- your friend and you are talking... you can’t wait to tell her about this cool and yummy dessert you made for Valentine’s day... however, your friend keeps talking, and talking.. and talking. You really aren’t paying attention. Even though you’re looking at her and nodding and smiling. But, your mind is in a whole other world! Listen!!! It shows you care.
Overlooking petty faults and forgiveness -- your cashier didn’t smile at you. The man slammed the door in front of you. The teller didn’t even greet you. No one complimented you on the dinner you worked so hard to prepare. Manners - or should we say lack of manners, got under your skin. Petty faults. Things you should overlook. 1 Cor. 13:5, Amplified: Love... is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong]. Not touchy! Above all, keep love for one another constant and fervent (Proverbs 10:12 and 1 Peter 4:8). Love covers! It’s a picture of Jesus. You won’t have perfect relationships....there will be conflict but with forgiveness and grace. A grace-based life.
Value people -- You only like Sally because she dresses just like you. You only speak respectfully to your parents when what they say pleases you... when they talk to you about what concerns them in your character, you ignore them and get angry. You look down on Liz because she’s just a little worldly... you keep your distance and never talk to her. Is that right? Are you judging? Are you proud? think of others more highly than yourself. Read Philippians 2:3, "do nothing from selfishness." Love is the opposite of selfishness. Honor shows love and respect. Honor and value the godly authorities that are in your life. Obedience shows you honor God! It’s not always easy, but it’s a part of your sanctification, of God changing and growing you... removing the sin in your heart and making you more like Christ.
Expressing love in practical ways -- Decide to smile at the one who never reaches out to you. Say thank-you and be quick to express gratitude - and mean it! Write a note. Give a gift. Send a Bible verse. Pray for them. Yield your rights... don’t insist on being right... or being first. Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God, Ephesians 5:1,2.
***1 Corinthians 13, read it and substitute "God" for "love" and then read it again and put your name in. Read it in the Amplified. Does this chapter describe you? Pray through this chapter.
We love Him because He first loved us..." 1 John 4:19
"Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for those who love Him." 1 Cor. 2:9 ~for those who love Him~ Amplified:who hold Him in affectionate reverence, promptly obeying Him and gratefully recognizing the benefits He has bestowed. Greek meaning for love in this verse: Affectionate reverence, prompt obedience, grateful recognition of benefits received.
....nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:39 Remember this!
A couple thoughts from author, J.D. Greear (bottom line: you are loved!):
"Perhaps you've asked a similar question, even as a believer: God, why won't you bless my ministry? God, why aren't I married yet? God, why isn't my business prospering? I'd use the profits to bless others! God, why won't you heal me? God, don't you see? Why won't You help? Don't you care? Do You not love me? I can't answer all the 'why' questions, but I do know this: We must not reinterpret how God feels about us based on our circumstances. The cross settles forever how God feels about us, and the resurrection shows us how much power He is using to bring about His good plan for our lives."
-In Christ, there is nothing I can do that would make You love me more, and nothing I have done that makes You love me less.
-Your presence and approval are all I need for everlasting joy.
-As You have been to me, so I will be to others.
-As I pray, I'll measure Your compassion by the cross and Your power by the resurrection.
Extra Fun:
Take the Love Languages test to determine how you express love to others and how you feel most loved (words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service, physical touch). Remember that others around you probably have a different love language than you do. Be sensitive and thoughtful in how you express love in a way that makes them feel loved!
