Something that the Lord has been putting on my heart lately is love. He’s been pushing me to think about the way I am currently loving others. Pushing me to question whether my actions and words are reflecting Christ. As I began to reflect, I realized I could use some improvements.
Loving others can be very challenging. We grow impatient with our partners, our kids when they push the limit one too many times, or even that one coworker who doesn’t seem to be pulling their weight. Some days we fall short. We get so comfortable with the mundane that we forget what truly loving others looks like.
The question that the Holy Spirit keeps pressing on my heart is: “How can I love deeper?” “How can I love others in a more Christ-like way?”
I have started looking at every situation as an opportunity to love deeper. I figured I can better love others by going the extra mile, showing more kindness, and advocating for peace when things get out of hand.
We should reflect upon our experiences throughout our journey with God. I ask myself, “How has Jesus shown me His love?” I can certainly say that He’s done it by extending the mercy and grace that I have always heard so much about growing up. At church and in the Bible, God has transformed the hearts of people right before my eyes—and He is transforming my heart too.
I can testify of His love because He has forgiven me not once, not twice, but countless times—because I will always fall short. We all fall short of the glory of God. What is God’s solution to this? Extending to us His love, mercy and grace. Amen!
Scripture tells us that the Lord considers love to be very important. In fact, it tells us that without it, we are like a noisy gong (1 Corinthians 13:1). So how can we love in a more Christ-like way? It’s a journey. But my favorite verse is 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (NLT) and it serves as an excellent reminder of what love truly looks like. We can model this verse if we want to love others better. So, I want to challenge you with it too—to love deeper:
“Love is patient and kind, Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever!” — 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
I know I can hold this verse close to me as I’m learning to love deeper.
