1 Peter 4:8 Says,
And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”
Love is mentioned throughout the Bible multiple times and in various scriptures. As believers, we must be powered by love in all situations, just as God is powered by love. The English language confuses the word love, and as people, we tend to throw the word around and misuse it. Mainly because we may say that we “love” our pets, spouses, and sports, without properly differentiating between the various types of love. So if we’re not careful then we may end up loving people incorrectly. In order to love the way that we’ve been called to love, we must first know that there are different types of love, we must know how to love people well, and know the qualities of Godly love.
The different types of love
Storge - A familiar love that exists between parents and their children. This type of love although very beautiful has its limitations.
Eros - A romantic love that's between married people. Eros love is also limited in its scope, which is why some people end up separating.
Phileo - The affectionate love that’s present between friends. This love can also fade which is why some friends become enemies.
Agape - The greatest love of all! It’s a love without sanctions, conditions, and parameters. As humans we can’t fathom agape love because it's not like any other love out there. It is a Godly love without borders and imperfections! Ideally, we must all work towards this type of love.
How to love others well
When it comes to loving people as we’ve been called to love them, we must make sure that our love is coming from a pure place. Because if our hearts are harboring hurt, bitterness, or unforgiveness, then our love for others will be hindered. Love shouldn’t be based on moods, so we must monitor how we are treating other people in every moment, no matter how we may be feeling. And if someone offends us then we must not retaliate. Instead, we must forgive, respond with love, and work on loving people better. In our everyday lives, we must practice and study unconditional love. We must also make sure that we’re always driven by love because it affects how we treat others. Also keep in mind that whatever fuels your hatred, kills your love. So make sure that you are powered, pushed, and driven by love, so that you may live a life that is fruitful and pleasing to God.
Qualities of Agape love
(As listed in 1 Corinthians 13:7)
There are different qualities of agape love that we can implement in our lives. First and foremost Love bears all things, which means instead of being upset in times of trouble, you’re full of joy! Secondly, love endures all things, which means that you're able to endure bad experiences, and remain consistent despite what you may be going through. Also, faith, hope, and love abide; So while everything else in this life is temporary, the love of God lasts forever. Lastly, love doesn’t rejoice in iniquity, because love is a positive thing, and it has no connections with evil.
Keys to remember about love
There are so many misconceptions about love, but these keys about love should be remembered. Jesus loved sinners, and He devoted His life and ministry to loving sinners and sharing the gospel with them. God loved His enemies, so keep in mind that we were once enemies of God, yet He gave up His beloved son and gave us the gift of salvation. And love is a sign that we belong to God, and as believers of the gospel, we’re called to imitate Christ in everything that we do. Therefore, we must love like Him as well and reflect His agape love. So in your everyday life strive to be powered by love, so that you may love God, people, and yourself well!
Reflection questions:
What is powering, pushing, and driving you?
In what ways can you love people better?
Additional scriptures about love:
Ephesians 2:12
2 Corinthians 5:14
1 Corinthians 13
Psalm 91
Message from Pst. Grace Finesse
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