Love Is: You

Love.

What does this word mean to you?

For some, it means butterflies and flushed faces. It means whirling feelings and emotional highs. But the purpose of love has nothing to do with emotion. It requires action, sacrifice, and commitment. It commands unconditional favor and unwavering solidarity.

Love is a wonderful thing.

But what are we doing with it, because of it, for it? How are we expressing our love to those who need it most? How do we know who they are?

Love is a situation.

God expressed his love sacrificially many times. The great flood of Noah, holding Adam and Eve accountable and sending his son in the flesh to redeem us all.  He loves us enough to provide us with a fresh start. He loves us enough forgive us. He loves us enough to make us whole again.

Love is a factor.

People think love is a right. We misunderstand- everyone is already loved so much by our Father, we don’t need love from other people. It is something Jesus told us we need to do, love our neighbors. But when the walls come crashing down and our soul is in despair, Agape love is all we need- love from the Father. Pure, unadulterated, untouched, unconditional favor.

Love is soul food.

It is warm and fuzzy to feel loved by your spouse, parents, kids, grandchildren, and friends. It is nice to be revered and honored with the love of someone else. Flowers are sweet, cards and surprise packages are nice.  Hugs and sentiments and messages of encouragement are all part of the package. But real action for true love takes work.

Married people hit bumps in the road. Kids stray from the family to find themselves. Grandchildren have no control over their schedules. Churches make hurtful decisions. We experience isolation. We feel intentionally left out as if we are not worthy of the love of others.

Love is infinite.

Love is for everyone. It does not discriminate. There are no steadfast rules. If a person needs someone to listen, we listen. If they need food we feed them. If they need clothing, we clothe them. If they need to cry, we hold them. If they need childcare, we babysit. If they need a friend, we are their friend.

Jesus said, “Love thy neighbor as thyself” in the parable of the good Samaritan. (Luke 10:25-37)

He also said in Matthew 25:31-46 to clothe, feed and care for our neighbor as is our lives depended on it. Our eternal lives do depend on it. Love is something we are built for. Love is something which comes naturally yet as a choice. It comes with risk the reward far outweighs.

How will we choose to love someone today?