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 

• Love suffers long. Love shows patience with people who are not perfect. 
• Love is kind. Love actively does good. (1st John 3:18). 
• Love does not envy. Love does not compete with others to get ahead, but rather helps others to succeed. 
• Love does not parade itself. It is not "showy", but is instead humble. 
• Love is not puffed up. Love does not behave arrogantly or rudely, but rather is courteous, kind and considerate - at all times. 
• 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. 
• Love is not provoked. Love is not easily irritated or disturbed. It remains peaceful in any situation. 
• Love thinks no evil. Love doesn't keep track of every thing a person has done wrong to them. Rather, it forgives and forgets. 
• 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. 
• 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.