How to live a life of love...(reposted)

As I sat in church last Sunday, listening to the preacher, he reminded me how important it is to live a life of love. Instantly, I thought of my life verse, “to live a life of love.” This morning, as I read my Jesus Calling devotion, it referenced Ephesians 5, again encouraging us to live a life of love.

Ephesians 5:1-2 reads, “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love; just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

But how do we live this life of love the Bible talks about?

Well, as I often often do, I Googled it and was amazed at what I read.

“Living a life of love can mean different things, but some say it involves being kind, patient, and selfless in relationships with others. It can also mean putting others before yourself, seeking the best for everyone, and acting with compassion. Some examples of living a life of love include: Volunteering, Donating resources, Being kind, Rising above judgment, Listening, and Forgiveness. “

“How to live a life of love”

This makes me think of Galatians 5:22-23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³gentleness and self-control.”

In order to live a life of love, we must embrace the Spirit living within us. That Spirit gives us our power.

But life can distract us. Current circumstances leave little room for love, peace or even joy. Maybe we don’t feel like loving or like being loved. But God’s Word never fails us and God’s love is always there.

When we lean on God’s Word and His unfailing love, we can begin living from this place of love. We can do the work God created us to do and do the things Jesus did, all of the things!

In Luke, Jesus tells us;

¹⁸“The Spirit of the Lord is on me,

    because he has anointed me
    to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
    and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free,
¹⁹    to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”^[

Jesus applied Isaiah 61 to His own life. And that is exactly how He lived. He transformed other people’s lives, by healing them, setting them free and glorifying God along the way.

#livelove

Later in John 4:12-14, Jesus tells us, “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. ¹³And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”

Jesus really did show us the way, the way that leads us into deeper relationship with God and those around us. Jesus’ way brings the Kingdom of God here on Earth.

Jesus shows us how to live a life of love and through His example, along with the power of the Holy Spirit, we can share God’s love with the world around us.

Let us pray;

God of all goodness and mercy, thank you for your love. Thank you for your Son who shows us the way. Forgive us when we do not live from a place of love. Help us to be the people you have created us to be so we can mirror your love to the world. In Jesus name, Amen.

P.S. Leave me a comment below and let me know how you intend to live a life of love. What’s one thing you can do today? Forward this message to a friend that might need a little love and encouragement today. Post on Facebook and tag me in it. And remember, God loves YOU! -M