Love is so crucial to our Christian walk. I am not talking about the purely emotion-driven love that our culture seems to thrive on. This is not the love that says, "If you love me, you'll..." It's not the love that demands or is self-centered. That is the love that you and I are surrounded by every day.
It's not the love that drives people to say "because we love each other" we can do whatever feels good. It is a love that puts the best interests of the other person first. The real, long-term best interests.
This is the kind of unselfish love that genuinely puts others first. It means loving your parents, even when you disagree with them. It means loving your siblings, even when they drive you crazy. It means loving your friends, even when they let you down.
This is the kind of love that changed the world. While the Roman Empire crumbled, the Kingdom of God grew. While nations have risen and fallen, the Kingdom of God has marched on. While power and violence may rule in the short term, real, godly love will never be defeated.
Jesus said, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:34-35)
When we can learn to love each other as Christians should, the world will notice. In a world where hate is the norm, and selfishness is expected, we can be a light in the middle of darkness. But when we don't look much different than everyone around us, what kind of an impact can we make?
Let's agree to love our friends, and our enemies. Let's search out ways to lay down our lives for those around us. Let's replace selfishness, gossip, and hatred, with selflessness, kind words, and compassion. When we are willing to love like Jesus, we can change the world.
shine!
Jason
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