Let Love Lead the Way
Many of us are busy making plans to celebrate this Valentine’s Day. Some may send flowers or give candy, teddy bears or jewelry as a token of their love. A candlelight dinner at home or reservations at a favorite restaurant really set the atmosphere for a romantic evening with the one you love.
Love is definitely in the air at this time of year, but what about the rest of the year? We often find ways to say “I love you” on special occasions but are we as intentional when it comes to loving one another on a daily basis?
I remember when my husband and I were dating, I used to clip the “Love Is” comic strip by Kim Casali out of the local newspaper every day and share it with my husband. I began to collect them and put them in a photo album as a keepsake. As I reminisce about being so intentional at the beginning of our relationship I wonder why I ever stopped collecting those comic strips.
Relationships are at the heart of the human experience, and the nature of our love for one another is of the utmost importance to God. I have not yet mastered the art of love, but my goal is to filter my thoughts, words, and actions through the lens of love. I am learning to let love lead the way by assuming a posture of love, allowing love to be the driving force of my interaction with others.
Here are some things I’ve learned as I’ve tried to assume the posture of love.
Love is a Superpower
Love is a superpower that makes all the difference when it comes to relationships. Perhaps Paul said it best: “love never fails.” This is more than just a lofty notion to make us feel good about the idea of love. This is a call to love relentlessly, to refuse to withhold love.
Love is a supernatural force that is always at our disposal. Therefore, we have an endless supply of love that transcends the limitations of our worldly circumstances. We always have the option to choose a loving response regardless of the situation, because love is always present, always available, and always the choice God wants us to make. Relationships may shine the light on where our love-game needs work, but we are never without hope because we can always choose love!
With love so readily at our disposal, you would think that it would always be the obvious choice. Why is it such a struggle to show love at times? Over time relationships become more complicated, enduring the wear and tear of competing demands and conflict. Other factors such as unmet needs and trauma affect our ability to love well. Heavy emotions can cause us distress, which usually triggers a protective response rather than a loving one. Emotions such as fear, anger, pride, shame, and hopelessness can have a powerful effect on our capacity to love. The more space these emotions take up in our hearts and negatively influence our thoughts and our actions, the less likely we are to respond in love.
God is Love
As image-bearers, we are called to reflect the character of God by the way we treat one another. Showing love to others, even our enemies, is what makes God’s people stand out from the crowd. God is glorified every time we show love because God is love. The greatest example of God’s love is the sacrifice of His son, Jesus Christ, in order to save believers from eternal damnation. God’s grace toward us is unmerited. Likewise, we can choose to show love to those who may not have proven themselves worthy of our love.
Love is Action
How do we put love into action? A good place to start is to visualize God as a loving Father who cares deeply for his children. Be self-reflective, recognizing that we are far from perfect and oftentimes need others to show love toward us. Perfecting our love is a lifelong endeavor, but one that is necessary for godly living.
When we extend grace or have mercy on someone who has offended us, that’s love. When we choose to forgive someone who may have hurt or betrayed us, that’s love. When we show acts of kindness or encourage someone with words of affirmation, that’s love. When someone is trying your patience, hold on tightly to that last nerve and don’t let go! Love relentlessly. Avoid responding out of anger, fear, or pride. Don’t hold grudges and practice gratitude and humility.
These are just some of the ways we can practice love in our relationships. As you set your intention on mastering the art of love and letting love lead the way, I am confident that you will find yourself practicing love more often than you ever imagined.