If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have 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 do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing – 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

Without love, our words and actions are empty.

In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul was teaching them how to love God’s way. He was reminding them that it didn’t matter how talented they were and what spiritual gifts they had and exercised, if they weren’t coming from a place of pure and holy love for one another, it was meaningless and would gain them nothing.

It can be easy to say the right things, do the right things, act in ways that we know will be received well and favoured. But if our motivation is not pure and loving, ultimately, our actions are empty. And while society may look at us and applaud our external actions and words, God looks at our heart. He looks at our motivation. God can see beyond what the world can and what He desires for us is to love in truth and kindness. To love others as ourselves, and to seek to help the lost and lonely find their way home.

So how do we do this?

We simply love like Jesus. We look to Jesus and we love the way He did. When we are persecuted, we bless our enemies, not curse them. When life is hard, we keep caring for others. When we are broken, we life our eyes to God for comfort. We love with no expectation of anything in return. Unconditionally, relentlessly, and truthfully.

The Jesus way is not the way of the world, it goes against the grain of what the world tells us. When the world tells us that it’s each man or woman for themselves, Jesus tells us to love others and care for the orphans, widows, and hurting people in the world. While the world esteems the rich, Jesus lifts up those that feed the hungry and show love to the unlovable. It doesn’t matter how talented or rich we are, Jesus wants us to love like Him and point as many people as possible to Him, for the glory of His Father.

Is it hard to love like that sometimes? Yes. But is it possible? Absolutely, with the Jesus and the leading of the Holy Spirit. Today and every other day, may we choose to love like Jesus.

Prayer

Lord, thank you that through You, we can love people around us unconditionally and relentlessly. Thank that for the love of Jesus, who made it possible for us to be in communion with You and to be led by You. Help us to love in Spirit and in truth, loving the world around us with genuine love, empathy, and care. Help us to be more like Jesus. In Jesus’ name, amen.