How’s Your Love Life?

“Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God. Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love. In this way the love of God was revealed to us: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might have life through him. In this is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as expiation for our sins.” –1 John 4:7-10

We all have a concept of love. From the time we are very young children we have a strong sense of what love is. Ask a small child and they might tell you that love is; presents at Christmas, when my puppy licks me, when Billy shares his French fries, or when mommy kisses daddy.

As young adults our concept of love might change. It might be reflected in the feeling we get with that new boyfriend; that first date, the first kiss, or the first Christmas together.

Later, we might define the feeling love by our wedding day or the birth of our children; those times when life moves in slow motion as we drink in the beauty of the love we feel.

As we age, we might feel a more self-sacrificing love of taking care of a spouse with Alzheimer’s, helping a loved one suffering from cancer or growing closer facing life’s many challenges.

But, what is God’s perspective on love?

John really seems to be the apostle of love. In his letter (1 John 4:7-5:3) John mentions love 32 times, God’s Love!

[pullquote]“We love because he first loved us.” –1 John 4:19[/pullquote]

We must never forget that God loves us and gives us the perfect model of love. We love because God loved us first. God created us in His own image and likeness to be like Him; to love Him and people.

God proves His love for us by sending His only begotten son, Jesus Christ to die for our sins. All that we have is a gift from God.

[pullquote]“He said in reply, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” –Luke 10:27[/pullquote]

So, what are we doing to improve our love life? What are we doing to increase our love of God and neighbor? Here are a few things we can do:

We love God by our actions. Prayer and praise are a wonderful way to express our love for God, but our actions are equally important. If God is love then we must obey Him and reach out to love others.
We love ourselves when we recognize that all that we have is a gift from God. It is difficult to love your neighbor as yourself if you don’t love yourself. With all of our flaws, sins, and misgivings, we realize that we are not perfect, but instead of dwelling on the negative, we give thanks for the gifts we have been given. God loves us unconditionally and asks that we do the same for our neighbors.
We love our neighbor when we share God’s love with them. We begin to treat people differently. We are less angry, more forgiving and patient with our family and friends. When we reflect on the grace and forgiveness that God has given us, we can’t help but extend that same mercy to others.

[pullquote]“God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him.” –1 John 4:16[/pullquote]

God is love and wherever there is love there is God! Is love present in your home? Then, God is there.

Do you extend your love at work, in the community, and with those you will meet today? Then, God is there.

Are you grateful for God’s gifts and thank Him with praise and actions? Then, God is there.

So, how’s your love life?

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