At the end of our lives, we will no longer care about who weighed the least, who made the most, or who achieved human greatness. When each of our lives passes from time into eternity, our former street address will be unimportant, our marital status will matter no more, and the upward climb on the corporate ladder will seem worthless. What will matter at the end of life is how well we loved those whom we were given. It always comes back to love, doesn’t it?
The way we treat one another is paramount in the timeless kingdom of Jesus Christ. He cares deeply about the words we speak, the heart attitudes we embrace, and the actions we exhibit to others.
Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8)
According to Peter, the most important choice we make is how we treat others, made in the image of the Father. If someone neglects to sweep the kitchen floor—keep your love for each other at full strength. If there is a mess in the family car—fan the flame of love instead of lashing out in frustration. If your birthday is forgotten—celebrate someone else who is lonely. Every other detail in life pales in comparison to the love we give our family, friends, and even strangers.
The most compelling priority in each one of our humble yet meaningful lives is to love without restraint and care about one another enthusiastically. There is no greater command, goal, or purpose than the one to love.
But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:13)
The unique call of Christianity is to not only love the lovable but we are commanded to love even our enemies. We exhibit love when we are mistreated, rejected, and ignored. We maintain fervent love when politics divide when generations disagree, and when wronged by those in authority. We love on and on and on. It is not only our most important calling, but it is who we are. Love is how we are defined.
But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. (Luke 6:35)
While differences and preferences consume others, we resolve to be God’s vessels of unconditional love. The most significant and Christlike choice a common woman can make is to love someone whose wounds ooze bitterness and spite. We love not because of personal greatness, but we love to become more like Jesus.
According to Peter, our love for one another must flow without ceasing. Our faucet of love should never be turned off or turned down. Love heals brokenness, and it covers disappointment. Love instills new hope, and it obliterates bitterness. Love resolves differences and forgives betrayal.
One of the stirring reasons love is a priority is due to its massive power—love has the ability to cover a multitude of sins. This does not mean love ignores sin; love calls the offended to treat the offender with compassion and mercy. Love speaks the truth with great kindness rather than with anger or impatience
Often, when I find I am unable to love with my own strength, I must remember that agape love flows from my relationship with Jesus Christ. If I struggle to love a man or woman whom God loves deeply, I make the choice to spend more time in prayer and in Bible reading. I go to Jesus to find the source of love not found in my human nature. If I truly desire to become more like Him, I must have more of Him. I must spend time in Christ’s presence and turn up the heat of my love for Him. As I love Jesus with greater intentionality, my love for others begins to boil again.
I am often unable to love from my flesh, but I can always love from His Spirit. When my love for others is ebbing away, if I focus on fresh passion for Christ, I soon discover that while I am unable, He is more than able! When I am weak in love, He can become strong in me.
About the Author:
Carol McLeod is a sought-after speaker, best-selling author of 16 books, and the host of two successful podcasts: “Jolt of Joy” and “Significant Women.” Her weekly blog “Joy for the Journey” has been named to the Top 50 Faith Blogs for Women, her weekly TV show, The Joy Life, is viewed by thousands weekly, and her YouVersion devotionals have been enjoyed by nearly 4 million people around the world. Known for her great joy and enthusiasm, Carol encourages and empowers women with passionate and practical Bible-focused messages, interspersed with her own special brand of hope and humor.
Connect with Carol:
https://www.carolmcleodministries.com/
