It [LOVE] does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered. 1 Corinthians 13:5
So now faith, hope and love abide… but the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13
I woke up early this morning to stuff my children’s stockings, just like my own mother did for my siblings and I years ago. This is the season for each of us to share in giving love. Some families have a grand feast together, while others struggle to sit across the table with each other. I am blessed by a loving family and enjoy getting together with them for Christmas. A friend of mine dreads the holidays, feeling the pressure of obligation to host her in-laws. Lots of people are hurting this season from loss, stress or dysfunctional families. Their capacity to give and receive love is limited.
Love is more than a feeling, it is my faith in action. When someone hurts me or provokes me it is difficult to show them love – unless I realize they are truly the ones hurting. Loving others sometimes takes more love than I personally can give. It takes the faith of a supernatural love that only God can give. A sacrificial, unconditional love that God gave when He sent Jesus. This is the love of Christmas!
Love can be complicated and hard to express. In the Greek language, there are several words for love (i.e. Agape, Eros, Philia, and Storge), but English is limited to one representation. One of Jesus last conversations with his disciples was about love. (John 21:15-17) Jesus gave Peter the opportunity to affirm his love for Him 3 times. He lovingly afforded Peter a chance to redeem himself from his previous denial of Him 3 times. In this conversation, Jesus used two forms of love to lead Peter in affirming his affections for Jesus and His church. Jesus knew Peter would find it challenging to love others in God’s family.
There are people who will be difficult to love. God helps us with those struggles by providing the direction – Follow me! (John 21:19) Follow my example in loving others. Follow my heart for others. Sometimes I get it right the first time, but usually it takes multiple times for me to get it right in showing love. Christmas is a love story – affirming God’s love for me and guiding my love for others. Even those that are the most challenging to love.
LOVE
Letting Our hearts gainVictory for Eternity
What LOVE do I need to receive? What kind do I need to give?
May your heart be filled with more of God’s love in the coming year!