1 Corinthians 16:14
Do everything in Love
Such a simple verse but such a vast meaning. For me, the world today is a little confusing at times. Differences in people have suddenly been thrust to the forefront of, well, everything. As I learned to navigate the new normal of the pandemic and shut down of 2020, I became hyper aware of people, places and things that before in my fast paced life I took for granite. The pandemic shut down was an unknown time where the world, for the first time in my lifetime, slowed down. Streets that were once packed with people were suddenly empty. Buildings were no longer filled with people and I found myself alone in my thoughts more and more. My thoughts were not of panic or fear but of encouragement and hope. More than once, I thought if we could all just love a little harder, show a little more tolerance, share a smile, extend friendship and offer encouragement, what an impact we could make on our community and even in our world.
While driving on a work errand, deep in my thoughts, I looked up and saw a shop called Love Street. I was compelled to go inside. While browsing a t-shirt caught my eye. It simply said: “ Love First”. How profound. How easy. I can do that! I purchased the t-shirt and it is a reminder of how easy it is to make a difference in someones day or even in their life.
The Bible is filled with verses which reference Love.
1 John 4:16
“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them”.
To me, the translation of the verse is if God is in your heart, love is in your heart. Without God we would not know what love is. God’s love for us is so great He made the ultimate sacrifice of sending his only son to die so we may live again. Honestly that kind of love is so big it’s hard for simple me to wrap my mind around it.
1 John 4:19
“We love because He first loved us”.
If God loves me that big, then I am going to love Him back by loving His people that big.
I challenge you to Be Loving and “Love First”. Smile at the person passing by you, even if you smile through a mask, your eyes smile. Show kindness, help others, be slow to anger, extend the gift of love. No one should ever have to ask you if you are a believer. The way you live your life should tell people who you are.
We are His people. We are love.
Love Big, Love First