I love talking about the basics of love! I hope there have been some positive changes in you as you are putting these foundational aspects of love into your life. As we authentically love people, these loving like Jesus will become a part of who we are. Even if you are not naturally bent to operate in love, you can develop the habits and characteristics of a loving person. We can change! The main advantage we have going for us is that the love of God has been shed abroad in our hearts, and we can show that to others. We aren’t powerless. We have the power of God on the inside of us. How wonderful and amazing is that. As we take off selfishness, and lay it at the feet of Jesus, we can truly make love a way of life. It can become so natural to us, that the selfish way we used to act is just a dim and distant memory. These characteristics will not just be something that we have to do to be more loving, they will be a part of who we are. Others around you might even begin to comment on what a patient person you are, or how kind or generous your actions are. In that process, we are not patting ourselves on the back, but we are glorifying God. He gets the praise and the glory for the amazing things He is doing in us.
14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
Why not today, just take a moment and thank God for what He is doing in you. His works really are magnificent! Bless Him today.
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