The Practice of Love
“I love you.” Although only three small words, this phrase is very powerful and important in our lives. We understand the need to give and receive this expression of love. However, let us consider our intention as we speak this expression. What do I mean when I express this sentiment toward another person?
Last week, I challenged you to consider the meaning of the word “love” as seen in the New Testament. I hope you took some time to read a variety of passages to help understand the author’s intention of the phrase. If you did not, consider doing this in the future as it will greatly aid in your understanding of God and this important word. For today, we will consider some biblical thoughts related to this word that will hopefully improve our relationships with others.
“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15.13). These words of Jesus illustrate what He was about to do for His disciples and were spoken only a short time before He gave His life as a sacrifice for the world. This verse clearly expresses a principle that must be present in our desire to show love to others. Inherent in the biblical idea of love is the desire to meet the needs of another – even at a personal cost. Jesus fully understood that the greatest need of His friends was salvation. Even though it would cost Him, He was willing to follow through because it would provide what they needed.
We see this same example in a variety of places. God loved the world; therefore, He was willing to provide His Son at a personal cost to Himself (John 3.16). Husbands are to love their wives (Ephesians 5.25). This necessarily implies a giving of oneself at a personal cost.
What is the lesson for today? Love is NOT convenient. Love is great, but it demands a cost. We love our children only if we desire to act according to their needs at an impending personal cost. In the same context of Jesus’ declaration to lay down His life, we read the following words from Him. “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you” (John 15.12). That sentiment, in principle, ultimately extends beyond the apostles and into the church today.
Do we really love each other as Christ loves us? If so, then life will be inconvenient. The needs of others will impact my life. I have experienced both sides of this. Others have certainly set their own needs aside in order to help me, and I have done the same for others. This is really how we know love – at least the kind of love taught in the Bible.
I leave you with the two greatest commandments from Matthew 22.36-40. Do you love God? If so, then His desires will ultimately come before your own. Do you strive to love others? Then their needs will naturally create difficulties in your life.
The phrase I love you should be so much more than words. Imagine if we truly embraced this lesson. What would our marriages and families be like? Also, what would our spiritual families be like? Would others have a better chance of recognizing that we belong to Jesus (John 13.34-35)?
Do you want to drastically change your family and church? Then embrace this lesson. This is an area that nearly all of us can, and must, improve. God does not call us to a convenient practice of love. He calls us to one that He continually demonstrates. Let’s all try it out and see what follows.