Love by Martha Allison

Love has been weighing heavily on my mind as of late. The Bible tells us God's love is unfailing, faithful and eternal. From the love chapter, Corinthians 13, we are told that unless we love others, having the ability to speak all the languages in the world is meaningless and we are like a noisy gong. We could have awsome spiritual gifts like prophecy, understanding God's plans and possessing all knowledge and having faith that would move mountains. We could give all we have to the poor and sacrifice ourselves for Christ, but if we do not love others we have gained nothing. The Bible tells us that true love is patient, kind and not jealous or proud. True love does not demand its own way. It is not irritable and keeps no record of being wronged. True love rejoices when truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful and endures through every circumstance. Love will last forever.

What exactly does all that mean for us? For me? First and foremost our love for our Savior must take precedence over all others including our family and friends. It is because of our love of God that we are able to love others, including our enemies. Contrary to what the world says, the love the Bible talks about is not all about me. It is not only about others whom I can easily love, but also those whom I have difficulty loving.

Am I really supposed to love those in Al Quida who would wish to hurt, even kill us? Am I supposed to love those on drugs, those who spew obscenities and perversion, those who would abuse others physically and verbally, those who are different that us because they are dirty, lack social skills or speak crudely? Does that sound impossible? For us alone it certainly is, but remember, with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26).

We must reach out to others to share the good news of Jesus Christ. It is important to realize that we must first demonstrate God's love or our words will not be heard. We must get out of our comfort zone and meet and develop a relationship with those who do not know our Lord and Savior. God will give us opportunities to do just that. Will those we meet want to know more about our God of love? I pray that God's love will shine through us and others will want to know Him.