As we're wrapping up this weekend of love, I can't help but think about a tweet I made not too long ago.
"I wish some people would learn that love is an action. I'm tired of people using that word so loosely with me."
What I failed to remember when I tweeted this is that I'm dealing with imperfect humans. Not everyone knows how to love properly. Sometimes, I don't even know how to love properly.
I think I was just upset because I was tired of people telling me they loved me, just to turn their backs on me. I was tired of people swearing up and down that they cared about me when their actions said otherwise. I didn't feel loved. Instead, I felt betrayed. But often, I have to remind myself of what love truly is, to which the Bible gives a clear definition. If it doesn't align with what the Word says, it was never love at all.
1 Corinthians 13 is one of my favorite chapters out of the whole Bible! It's commonly known as the love chapter. It's one of my favorites because it outlines what love is and what love isn't. It helps me identify who actually loves me and who doesn't. But ultimately, it reminds me that no one can love me the way God loves me. God's love is so perfect. He's done so many things to show us how much He loves us and continues to do so each and every day.
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails..." - 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 NIV
The bible shows us just how much love is an action, not an emotion. Although love involves emotions, it is through actions that we are able to give and receive love. Jesus is such a prime example. "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us." (1 John 3:16, also see John 3:16)
Imagine if Jesus just told us He loved us without doing anything. Do you think we would have believed Him? What if God didn't send His son at all?
His death and resurrection were necessary! Without it, we may not have understood just how much we are loved by Him. And even today, God is so patient with us. He's so kind. Even when we mess up, He's so forgiving and always has His arms wide open to embrace us. His love never ever fails.
I use 1 Corinthians 13 as a reminder of what Godly love looks like. If one can display all of what that chapter says love is...Whew! What a blessing! And like I mentioned before, we are imperfect people. Sometimes we don't always show Godly love. And that's why it's important to turn to the Father when you need a love that's oh so pure. In addition to that, we should turn to Him to help us love one another better. (Read more about love in one of my older posts: The Greatest Commandment.)
One of my favorite gospel songs is Ordinary Just Won't Do by Commissioned. I included it in the Experiencing His Love Through Singleness Playlist, but it's such a great song and ties in so well with this message that I have to add it to #theREFESHdevo playlist!
reFRESHments
Read 1 Corinthians 13
Read John 3:16
Song: Ordinary Just Won't Do - Commissioned
Remember, when you're not feeling loved, turn to Jesus. Spend time with Him and allow His love to comfort you. ❤️ And on this special Valentine's Day, show some love towards others, and yourself too! Whether you're single, married, or dating, you can make Valentine's Day a special occasion! Really, you can make any day special! Don't just show love once a year. Actively show much you love those special individuals in your life.
Peace & Blessings,
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