Love, the more Excellent Way
Did you know that walking in
love is key to winning souls for God's Kingdom? God is able to
manifest Himself to the lost through His people reflecting His love.
For this reason, Jesus commands us to love, both our neighbor and
enemies
Matthew 5:44 "But I tell
you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
It's easy to love those who
love us. But agape love, God's love, is not an emotion but a choice.
Blessings, genuine concern, and kindness are to be shown to both
friend and adversary. Our love for others should be motivated by
God's love for us (Romans 5:8)
1st John 4:11 says,
"Beloved, if God loved us so, we also ought to love one another." So
how do we do it? Let's see what the Bible says:
1st Corinthians 13:4-8
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Love suffers long. Love
shows patience with people who are not perfect.
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Love is kind. Love
actively does good. (1st John 3:18).
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Love does not envy.
Love does not compete with others to get ahead, but rather helps
others to succeed.
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Love does not parade
itself. It is not "showy", but is instead humble.
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Love is not puffed up.
Love does not behave arrogantly or rudely, but rather is
courteous, kind and considerate - at all times.
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Love does not seek its
own. Love doesn't demand its own rights nor does it insist on
always being first. Instead, it is unselfish.
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Love is not provoked.
Love is not easily irritated or disturbed. It remains peaceful
in any situation.
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Love thinks no evil.
Love doesn't keep track of every thing a person has done wrong
to them. Rather, it forgives and forgets.
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Love does not rejoice
in iniquity. Love does not rejoice in a bad report, or the
shortfalls of others. Instead, it rejoices in the truth,
supporting and spreading the good news.
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Love bears all things,
believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love
defends and edifies others, believing their good intentions
without suspicion. Love never gives up on others, but has hope
for their future. Love hangs on when the going gets tough, and
perseveres to the very end.
Love never fails. It can't,
because God is love! I want to encourage you to read 1st Corinthians
13:4-8 to yourself, substituting your name for the word "love."
Meditate on this verse, commit it to heart, and watch as God
transforms every relationship in your life through His love.