Do you know how to live a life of love? Let me show you.

One of my favorite verses is Ephesians 5:2, “live a life of love.” In fact, that’s where my hashtag came from. You’ve probably seen it in my writings or near my signature line. It reminds me of the life I want to live, a life full of love.  #livelove

But wanting to live a life full of love and actually doing it are two different things. Fortunately for us, scripture tells us how. 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.”

The Living Bible says it this way; “Follow God’s example in everything you do just as a much loved child imitates his father. Be full of love for others, following the example of Christ who loved you and gave himself to God as a sacrifice to take away your sins. And God was pleased, for Christ’s love for you was like sweet perfume to him.” Follow God’s example in everything you do. Imitate Him. Be full of love for others and live a life of love just as Christ loved you. 

A couple of weeks ago, while hanging out at the lake with friends, one of my girlfriends hugged me and said, “I sure do love you.” Comically, I replied, “I love all people.” Her lip puckered showing I had hurt her feelings. Quickly, I said, “I love you too. I love all people and I love you.” The hole I had dug myself was getting deeper. I quickly hugged her back, kissing her on the cheek and reminding her that I really did love her. It’s gotten to be a joke between us now.

Truth be told, it is a bold statement to say in the first place. “I love all people.” Really? All people? There are some people that are just hard to love. Unfortunately, those are the ones that need our love the most. I’m going to challenge myself. If I say “I love all people”, do I? Who are the folks that I have trouble loving? Is there anyone I avoid because I really don’t want to deal with them? How can I intentionally show that person Christ’s love?

I periodically volunteer at the local soup kitchen. One night, this guy came in. I had not seen him before so I walked over and said hello. He introduced himself in a Woody Wood Pecker voice. I thought it was cute at first. But by the 2nd, 3rd and 4th times, it was getting pretty old. I overlooked the fact that he was sharing his gift and making others smile. It annoyed me. I found myself going out of my way to avoid him. One day, a few weeks later, he limped over to me. I wanted to turn but it was too late. I expected him to begin with his famous impersonation, but he did not. Instead he asked if I would pray for him and for his knee. I wanted to cry. I was so upset with myself.

By sharing his talent, in this man’s own way, he was loving other people. I watched him, week after week. By me avoiding him, I was withholding love from him. Who am I to withhold love from any other person? It pleases God when we love each other. Just like it pleased God when Christ loved us so much that he sacrificed his life for us. Truth be told, God loves all people. Really! All people! Even me.

Let us pray;

Father God, thank you that your Word teaches us how to live a life of love. Show us how to follow your example in everything we do and how to be full of love for others, especially those we struggle with. In Jesus Name, Amen. -M

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