If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

1 Corinthians 13:1-3

 

God’s love lies at the heart of our faith.

Everything we do must be inspired and motivated by His love.

We must learn to love God and others for the sake of His Name. This call to love is how we imitate Christ and show we are His true followers. As we grow and walk in the fullness of God’s love, we no longer battle with pettiness and spiteful behaviour. Rather, we do good and share with others, even when our efforts are not reciprocated. In doing so, we celebrate Jesus is alive and live amongst us.

When we fail to love people, we have forgotten what the gospel is all about.

Without love, we have nothing to demonstrate the truth of our Christian claim that God is love. Obviously, while certain people are difficult to love, it is still possible to love them through Christ. The gospel proclaims the good news that our failure to love and be merciful need not be our downfall. We just need to be nurtured continuously by Perfect Love Himself so that we learn to love perfectly and forgive completely.

To genuinely love others flows out from a sense of vulnerability and weakness. We have all experienced failed relationships, but to hold back from loving people will not make us feel better. Rather, the fear of being hurt is a heart cry for healing, restoration, and hope. Allow God’s love and compassion to carry you over your losses and disappointments. This does not mean we do not play a part. It simply means to take steps of faith sustained by fresh grace and new mercy from God to love without fear or hesitation.