Love is the foundation of the Christian faith. It is not just a commandment; it is the very essence of God Himself. “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love,” as stated in 1 John 4:8. Christians are required to distinguish out by exhibiting extreme, unselfish love in a society where conflict and division seem to rule.
During His earthly life, Jesus was the epitome of this love. He reached out to the marginalized, the broken, and the outcasts. He forgave the unforgivable and touched the untouchable. He demonstrated the strength of compassion and unwavering love throughout his life, even going so far as to give His life in order to save humanity.
But how do we walk in that same love today? It starts with realizing that love is an action rather than merely an emotion. It is the decision to choose kindness when being unconcerned is simpler. It is the decision to extend forgiveness while harboring resentment seems warranted. It involves viewing people as God does; valuable, loved, and deserving of grace.
Being present in other people’s life is a useful method to walk in love. Real human connection is dwindling in an increasingly computerized environment. Take the time to reach out to someone who may be struggling, share an encouraging word, or lend a helping hand to a neighbor. Little deeds of kindness that reflect Christ’s heart can have a big influence on people around us.
Extending compassion, even in the face of difficulty, is another way to walk in love. In Matthew 5:44, Jesus tells us to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” We genuinely show the breadth of God’s love when we show love to those who test us. In addition to altering our perception of other people, this radical approach to compassion also changes our own hearts to more closely resemble God’s.
Walking in love is not always easy, but it is always worth it. It dismantles obstacles, mends injuries, and illuminates shadowy areas. As Christians, we are called to be that light, to love without condition and serve without expectation. We demonstrate to the world what it really means to follow Christ when we do this, bearing testimony to the transformational power of God’s love.