And the final L is love. We’ve looked at the tongue and at lies but for the last one it is love. Love ties all this together. If we love then we will hold our tongue, we will not lie and we will live to love and show kindness.
But what is love. It’s a word we hear all the time, right? But for Christians, love isn’t just a warm, fuzzy feeling. It’s amazing, it’s a way of life that can change everything. It’s not just about loving our mates and family; it’s about showing love to everyone, even those we find difficult.
Think about it: Jesus didn’t just tell us to love our friends. He said, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). That’s a challenge, isn’t it? But that’s the kind of love Jesus showed us. It’s a love that’s generous, kind, and forgiving. It’s a love that doesn’t keep score, doesn’t hold grudges.
1 John 4:7-8 tells us, “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” That’s pretty clear, isn’t it? Love is at the heart of who God is, and it should be at the heart of who we are too.
Living a life full of love means being kind to the person who annoys you, forgiving the friend who let you down, and showing generosity to someone in need. It’s about seeing the good in others, even when they’re not showing their best side.
And how do we love God in all of this? Jesus gave us the answer: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength” (Mark 12:30). When we love God with everything we have, that love overflows into how we treat others.
Here are some tips to help us make our lives more loving:
- Practice Kindness: Look for opportunities to do small acts of kindness for others. A kind word, a helping hand, a listening ear – these things can make a big difference.
- Choose Forgiveness: Holding onto grudges only hurts you. Forgive others, just as God has forgiven you.
- Be Generous: Share your time, your talents, and your resources with those in need.
- See the Good: Try to see the good in everyone, even those you find difficult.
- Pray for Love: Ask God to fill your heart with His love and to help you show that love to others.
- Spend time with God: The more we spend time with God, the more we become like him.
Remember, love isn’t just a feeling; it’s a choice. Choose to love, even when it’s hard.
Prayer
Dear God, thank you for showing us the true meaning of love. Fill our hearts with your love, so that we can love you and love others as you love us. Help us to be kind, generous, and forgiving. Give us the strength to love our enemies and to show your love to everyone we meet. Amen.
Blessing
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. May the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.
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