|
Do you love like Christ? 8 scriptures to help you be
instantly more loving
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Photo:CreateHer Stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Article By Alice Whitehall // Empowering Everyday Women Ministries // Spiritual
FEBRUARY 13, 2017
It seems as if nearly everyone is yelling, protesting and angry about something! Why is the world so
upset and agitated?
With all of the mean tweets, political polarization, religious dogma and brash behavior we see on
the daily, you can almost feel the tension in every room among strangers. But is this what God
wants for us?
Absolutely not.
Though we may not agree with everyone and have a deep longing to change the world for the
better—as we should—God desires that our opinions and tone, both publicly and privately, are
always seasoned with grace and sprinkled with lots of love.
Are you loving enough in your relationships? In your interactions with people you don’t know?
When you engage someone with whom you disagree? With individuals who are of low estate and in
need?
Or are you arrogant, puffed up, hard to talk to, nearly impossible to get along with, bitter and
cantankerous?
Be honest.
It’s time to get real because God is calling you to be more loving in this day and age where
rudeness and mean-spiritedness is increasingly more accepted, and in some ways encouraged.
But believers are not supposed to behave like the world. We are consecrated, sanctified and set
apart to do the Master’s bidding.
This, however, can only be accomplished through Christ-like love, gentleness, meekness and
compassion. Are you willing to grow in grace, take on the nature of God and exhibit His attributes in
a fallen world?
If so, here are 8 scriptures that will help you become instantly more loving with all people and in all
situations.
1) 1 John 3:18 (NIV)- “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in
truth.”
Real love is so much more than a feeling. The saying “actions speak louder than words” holds true
here. If someone claims to love you, their behavior should reflect the love they talk about. How do
you treat people? Does it scream love or not?
2) 1 John 4:20 (NIV)- “Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or a sister is a liar. For
whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they
have not seen.”
A great way to determine someone’s true character is by taking notice of their interactions with
others. If they are truly a loving person, their attitude towards those around them will attest to this.
How would others view your actions?
3) 1 John 3:16 (NIV)- “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And
we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.”
You should have the heart of a servant. If you are truly loving, be willing to sacrifice your time,
resources and even comfort for the benefit of someone else. This is the heart of a Christian,
someone who really walks in love.
4) 1 Corinthians 13:4 (NIV)- “Love is patient, love is kind…”
Patience allows others room to make errors and grow, without being harsh, judgmental and mean-
spirited. Are you giving people room to err and still expressing kindness? If not, begin today.
5) 1 Corinthians 13:5 (NIV)- “It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily
angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”
Real love is selfless, slow to anger, and holds no grudges. Take inventory of your dealings with
friends, family, associates and even strangers. Take into account the biblical definition of love in
this scripture and adhere to it daily.
6) Proverbs 17:9 (ESV)- “Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter
separates close friends.”
A friend who lives in love will forgive you when you mess up and keep it moving, rather than
constantly reminding you of what you did wrong. Real love forgives. If someone offends you release
it and move forward.
7) Proverbs 27:5 (ESV)- “Better is open rebuke than hidden love.”
Those who genuinely care will offer you much-needed advice and truth, even when you don't want
to hear it. Love does not pacify, meaning, being caring doesn't mandate that you purposely ignore
and overlook blatant wrongdoing when it is a destructive behavior. Be a truth-telling kind of friend.
Just make sure you share the truth in love.
8) 1 John 4:8 (NLT)- “But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.”
Here's the key. You can't be truly loving on your own. True love comes from God, so anyone
disconnected from Him won't know how to express divine love. Be sure that you are a shining
example by walking closely with the Lord. Lead the way with your actions. In this, God will be
pleased.
Let the love of Christ be apparent in your life. You’ll draw many people that way and spread the
kind of joy, compassion and hope this world desperately needs.
Find tangible ways to show love. After all, it is a verb that requires action.
Are you struggling to be loving in a relationship, at work, in church, or some other area? Conflict
can be difficult, but you don't have to battle through it alone. Let Empowering Everyday Women
Ministries partner with you in prayer. God is able to strengthen, to give you wisdom and guidance.
Click here to submit a request.
|
|
|
|
|
