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Love – The Biblical Way

Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
Matthew 22:37-41

Love is a choice. Either you choose to behave lovingly toward others… or not; either you behave yourself in ways that enhance your relationships… or not. But make no mistake: genuine love requires effort. Simply put, if you wish to build lasting relationships, you must be willing to do your part.

Christ’s words are clear: we are to love God first, and secondly, we are to love others as we love ourselves. These two commands are seldom easy, and because we are imperfect beings, we often fall short. But God’s Holy Word commands us to try with the help of the Holy Spirit.

The Christian path is an exercise in love and forgiveness. If we are to walk in Christ’s footsteps, we must forgive those who have done us harm, and we must accept Christ’s love by sharing it freely with family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers.

God does not intend for you to experience ordinary relationships; He created you for far greater things. Building lasting relationships requires compassion, wisdom, empathy, kindness, courtesy and forgiveness. If that sounds like a lot of work, it is – which is perfectly fine with God. Why? Because Jesus set for you the perfect example of what it means to love. As you love Him and love others the fruits of your labors will make a difference... A Kingdom Difference!

Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, Your love for me is so deep and wide. I thank and praise You for Your love for me and I ask that you empower me to treasure and nurture the love that you have placed within my heart. Give me the ability to love the unlovable and the boldness to share the love of Jesus Christ with others. Lord, help me remember that the essence of love is not to receive it, but to give it. I pray this in Jesus' Name. Amen