Love is the coinage of the Christian life. It is the proof of God’s work in our lives. Yet, it seems that in our divided world, love is often the first casualty. Churches are divided, friendships are fractured and the tone and tenor of relationships often becomes harsh and unkind. 

I wonder what would happen if every morning we were to be reminded of God’s definition of love? Think of the hardest person in your life. The one that is the hardest to love. The one who irritates, frustrates and maybe even angers you. And then think about God’s definition of love.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).

Here is something to consider. Each of these descriptors of love are choices we make in our interaction with others. This is an active love that chooses to love even when we don’t feel like loving. And that makes sense because that is what God did with us. In Romans 5:8 we read “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” He chose to love us even when we didn’t love Him and even when we were not lovable. He calls us to the same attitude and practice.

I need this reminder often. It is not the way I want to treat some people. In fact, this kind of love is not normal. It is a kind of love that is made possible by the Spirit of God working in our hearts as He continually seeks to make us more like Jesus. This is Jesus love.

Never be fooled that our knowledge of Scripture and theology or even natural abilities can substitute for demonstrating love to those around us in very tangible ways. Without love, we are not living like Jesus. As Paul says, “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).

Consider taking the definition of love in 1 Corinthians 13 and read it each morning for one week. Then ask God to help you live out those practices with everyone around you. Remember, that we choose to show this Jesus love. And the test is not those who are easy to love but those who are hard to love.

Father, I admit that there are people that are hard for me to love and I admit that I often fall far short of your definition of love. Would you help me to love better and would you remind me often of the opportunity that I have daily to demonstrate Jesus love to those around me. Amen.