Love, from above

Love! We sing, write and make movies about it. Love's a massive part of this world, probably because it's who God is. That's why we gravitate towards it and crave the great feelings that it brings. Experiencing love here on earth can help us understand more of God, and can give us the grace to act more like him - putting others first, and dropping what we're doing to help someone else.

The earth-version of love isn't perfect. Our love can disappoint. It can feel as though we put ourselves out only to be hurt. Paul wrote, 'If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal' (1 Corinthians 13:1 NIV). Love extends beyond words; love is nothing without heartfelt action. When we act without putting others first, it's like we're just making a whole lot of meaningless noise.

Challenging as it is, it's time to pray for the will to love people. Real, put-others-before-yourself love is vitally important. Jesus told us to love everyone as he loved us (John 13:34). That's a tall order, but we reckon that, if he asked us to do it, he'll show us how. And his love from above is perfect.



So what now? Who was the last person you said 'I love you' to? Do something generous for them today. And who's the person you'd never expect to say 'I love you' to? Do something generous for them too. Thank God for his love, from above.





— SCRIPTURE —

'May the Lord make your love grow more and multiply.' 1 Thessalonians 3:12 NCV
— SOULFOOD —

Exo 1-3, John 1:29-42, Ps 63, Pro 25:26-28