Love is...

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I have had cause to reflect on, and be challenged by, a simple piece of Scripture that is often quoted during celebrations of love. I am speaking of 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. Here we read about the wonderful attributes of what love is.

However, I have always taken a more ethereal view of the concept of love, and have not really taken the time to personalize this Scripture. I have simple regarded it as a nice, assuring reading. I’ve regarded as something I could expect in my own relationships, what I can expect of others in a loving relationship. I have not often, unfortunately, regarded the onus and expectations it places on me.

Can I ask you to do something that can help illustrate what I mean? I want you to look at that Scripture and everywhere the words ‘it’ or ‘love’ appears, replace it with your name. Now read it aloud to yourself.

That changes things don’t it?

When I look at this Scripture and personalize it as an expectation placed on me, not only as a Believer, but as a ‘good person’, it challenges me. And, if I am to be honest, I have not really lived up to or demonstrated love in my own relationships, both intimate and casual.

Yet, we are all called to love.

I want to challenge you to join with me this week and read this Scripture each day. I ask you to insert your name into it. Reflect on it and determine in your own heart how you can be love in your relationships. Some times this will be rather easy to do, other times it will seem a monumental endeavor. However, please try.

Do not be discouraged as you try to do this. I encourage you to depend on, and trust, the LORD to help you. If he has asked this of us, we can be confident that he will also enable and assist us to meet this command.

Remember, the love that you show as you seek to fulfil this Scripture is the same perfect love he extends to us. May the love, peace, and presence of God fill your hearts to overflowing as you endeavor to show his love to others.

For where two or three gather...

I have often quoted Matthew 18:20 as an encouragement to Believers whenever they meet. I have assured them that when they come together, Christ is present. While this is most absolutely true, the greater context of that Scripture is encouragement to deal with difficulties together. It assures us when we do, He is present to assist.

Often we take the easier road of avoiding conflict at all costs to 'keep the peace'. However, Christians are called to be 'peacemakers' as implied in Jesus' words in Matthew 5:9. This means we should come together to deal with issues, conflict, and sin when they inevitably arise in our lives and community. We need to remove all these barriers that prevent us from living at peace with one another.

We should never avoid a difficult situation because it may be uncomfortable. Instead we should face the issue head on, trusting in the presence and wisdom of Christ to guide our thoughts, words, and actions.

So, today, let us bear with each other, building each other up in love, and be intentional in addressing sin and removing it from our midst. Christ is gracious, kind, and merciful. He will help us.