Live With Love

Live With Love:

"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God." (1 John 4:7)

We're called to lead lives that radiate the love of God. Sometimes, however, it's difficult to show love. Sometimes people annoy us, sometimes they hurt us, and often people disappoint us. What it boils down to in the end is patience. It takes tremendous patience to portray and truly live out of love.

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." (Ephesians 4:2)

We must fix our eyes upon the Lord, and call upon the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us as our Helper. Remember, we live in a fallen world. We're all initially trapped inside the plague that is human flesh, which causes us to be quick tempered, sinful, and bitter.

Now, hold on there. Don't dismiss this as an excuse to be sinful and choleric with people. We're not seeking to permit and promote the preprogrammed haste and anger that human nature brings, rather we're searching out perseverance and peacemaking from the true Source that is the Holy One. And He gives it to us, freely.

"Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it." (Ephesians 4:3-4, 7)

I mentioned earlier that from square one, we're all trapped in a prison of human nature. This is true, but only before we were reconciled through Salvation in the Messiah. When our Lord Jesus Christ came down in the flesh Himself and bore every one of our burdens and iniquities on that Cross, He paid the price for our redemption and freedom. That's right, every chain of human bondage is broken off by the power of the blood of the Lamb!

Jesus came to demonstrate love that surpasses all of our understanding, as well as set us free from the constricting ropes of humanity. This means that the bondage of bitterness and resentment has been broken. No longer have we any valid excuse to fear, "If I forgive, what if I'm hurt all over again?" Jesus took all of our hurts on Himself, therefore we are unhindered - free to love others with abandon.

We need not think, "What good will forgiveness do for me?" Jesus has revealed the power of His own forgiving love, and we ought to love as He does. Forgiveness uproots bitterness and transplants peace. Forgiveness heals scars and plants beautifully fruitful orchards of mercy and love.

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us. And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also." (1 John 4:18-19, 21)

So my friends, don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone to show someone the love of God today. Everyone is hungry for compassion, grace, and real, genuine love. Everyone needs that hope found only in Jesus that promises a second chance, a brand new life. People are feeble, and it's our calling to show them that our frailties are invitations for God's faithfulness.

"And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him." (1 John 4:16)

The Spirit of the Holy Lord is living within us. Have no fear, for His love is always near, ready to free us and prosper us. We're blessed with His unconditional love, and it's our mission to bring others into that same love. Abide in Love, live with Love, and show the Love wherever you go.

-The Introverted Evangelist