How is it that we often fail to show true love to ALL our neighbours? It's easy to love our friends, and family; its easy to love those close to us, those who we get along with. But it's not so easy to love others - those who annoy us, those who make us frustrated, those who you just simply can't get along with, and those who hurt you.
But God has given us the command to 'love your neighbour as yourself' already in Lev 19:18. And it is a command, meaning, we have to do it. But how? How can you love someone when all they do is hurt you and frustrate you?
Well, I'll try to explain using the only basis I know that will truly teach me how to love: God's Word.
I have taken I Cor 13:4-7, providing the text and also my interpretation of it. This passage is a perfect practical guide on how to love, and it is so perfect because it is based on the character of the love of Christ. And when looking at this passage it becomes clear that love is not merely a feeling (no matter how much we often base it on feelings) but it is an action:
Love suffers long and is kind;
Love does not envy;
Love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;
Does not behave rudely,
Does not seek its own,
Is not provoked,
Thinks no evil;
Does not rejoice in iniquity;
But rejoices in the truth;
Bears all things,
Believes all things,
Hopes all things,
Endures all things.
Love never fails.
Love is patient, she does not easily give up on others; she is merciful and kind.
Love is not jealous or bitter; she does not hold a grudge against another.
Love is not proud or arrogant, she does not brag.
Love is not rude, disrespectful or ill-mannered.
Love is self-less, she seeks the well-being of others first.
Love is not irritable or resentful
Love does not focus her attention on the wrongs that others do to her.
Love does not rejoice in what is wrong,
Instead, Love delights in what is right.
When Love bears all things,
She is not suspicious, but trustful, she thinks the best of things and so protects one's reputation.
And so, love hopes the best of all things.
Love perseveres under all circumstances.
Love is not a passing feeling or desire; it is not fleeting and will not pass away. Love has no end.
So, how do we put this love into action? How do you get going? It's such a list, and admittedly its quite overwhelming.
Well, firstly, we need to understand the love of Christ. Know fully and completely what He has done for you, and be filled with that love. Let His love fill your heart and mind. Let it fill your senses so that all you want to do is show that same love in return. The more you know God and His love through His Son Jesus Christ, the more you will also be able to show love to your neighbour.
So, KNOW WHAT GOD HAS DONE FOR YOU!!! (that'll be the topic of my next post)
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