“We know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.”
— 1 John 4:16
Love is more than an emotion we feel toward another person or some kind act we do. To truly love is to have God work through our lives. If you’re a believer, then God lives in you. And God is Love. So God is patient, God is kind, he does not brag, he endures things, he believes all things, he is full of hope, and God never fails. (See 1 Corinthians 13:4 – 8.) As we ask him to work in us and love others through us, we will begin to see the very same characteristics become true in our lives. God is Love, and that’s why “love never fails” (1 Corinthians 13:8 NKJV).
First John 3:16 (NLT) says, “We know what real love is because Christ gave up his life for us. And so we also ought to give up our lives for our Christian friends.” You may never have to physically die for anyone, but loving others will cause other things in you to die. You may have to die to selfishness, a short temper, or backbiting — any habit that prevents you from truly loving others.
God lives in you. Lean on that love, and spread it to others!
More to Explore: Psalm 36:7 – 9 and 1 John 3:24
Girl Talk: How hard (or easy) is it for you to be loving? Do you have bad habits that need to die?
God Talk: “Lord, I know that you are love. Help me to be more loving, just as you love me. Thank you for your perfect example. Amen.”
From Girlz Rock by Kristi Holl