We love Him because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19 KJV
In our relationship with God, Jesus
is the initiator. Not only did He first die for us when we were sinners, He
desires to be the one who takes the lead in our relationship with Him. He first
loved us and that love motivates us to love Him and others.
The Bible also says that God is love
(1
John 4:8 and 4:16).
1 Corinthians 13 gives us a picture of Love’s character. Here are some of
the attributes of the God-kind of love.
Love is patient
Love joyfully puts up with the
failings of others.
Love is kind
Love is gentle and puts others above
himself or herself.
Love is not jealous
Love does not seek harm to those who
excel, rather love rejoices in the success of others.
Love is not proud
Love doesn’t put on airs. It
considers others as better than itself.
Love is not rude
Love is not impolite or
ill-mannered.
Love does not demand its own way.
A person who loves does not believe
he or she is the most important person in the room.
He or she listens to the advice of
others.
Love is not irritable, and it keeps
no record of being wronged.
It is not easily offended and is
quick to forgive.
Love does not rejoice at injustice.
Love hates the mistreatment of
others.
Love rejoices when truth wins out.
Love sides with the truth.
Love never gives up, never loses
faith, is always hopeful.
Love always endures even when facing
difficult people and circumstances.
The Ability to Love
The above is a snapshot of the
God-kind of love. This love has been shed abroad in our hearts as believers
through the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5). We have this love in us. It is in
us as a seed, but it can grow. The more we receive God’s love for us, the
easier it becomes for us to share that love with God and with others. The Holy
Spirit empowers us to love.
Jesus said the greatest commandment
was to love God with all of our heart, soul mind and strength and to love our
neighbor as ourselves (Mark 12:30).
God’s love should also compel us to
tell others about Jesus.
2
Corinthians 5:14-15 NIV says, “For Christ’s love compels us,
because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer
live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised
again.”
In fact, everything about us should
be motivated by love. Of course, none of us have attained this. But when we
fall, we fall into His arms and we get back up. As we practice love over time,
we will see the fruit of love grow within us.
His love is also related to the
truth of God’s word. Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commands.” John
14:15 NIV.” Feeding on and obeying God’s word is central to
walking in the love of God.
Love is a Byproduct
But we must always remember that the
fruit of God’s love is a byproduct of our relationship with Jesus. His love for
us comes first. As mentioned earlier, He first loved us. His love for us and
within us motivates us to love God in return and to love others. As we abide in
the vine (our relationship with God), we produce fruit (See John 15). As we
feed on God’s word and spend time in His presence, we are changed from glory to
glory.
One of the ways that we can love is
through our giving. Do we give financially so that others can be blessed? Are
we kind to the poor, the widow and the orphan? Are we generous in meeting the
needs of the less fortunate? This is a measure of how well we love.
And, of course, our relationships
mirror how well we love. Are you a husband? How well are you loving and
cherishing your wife? Are you a wife? Do you love and respect your husband? Are
you kind to your children? Children, are you obedient to your parents?
Forgiving Others
There may be those in your life that
you have grown bitter towards. With God’s help we can and should forgive. It
may start as an act of faith. Feelings of love may not be evident at this time.
But as you pray for this individual and choose to forgive, it becomes easier.
While we love God and others, we
should establish healthy boundaries. We are to forgive everyone who has hurt
us, but that doesn’t mean we should continue in unhealthy relationships. If we
are unsure as to how to do this, we can ask someone who is spiritually mature
to help us.
In Conclusion
God has given us the blueprint for
love in His word. He has shown us what God’s love is like. He has come as the
Initiator. We love Him and others because He first loved us. His ability to
love has been gifted to us through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus has commanded us to love, and
He gives us the ability to do so. The more we love God and others, the more we
reflect the heart of our Master. Let’s place love as one of the key foundations
of our lives. How is your love walk today?
Here is another article I found for further study and inspiration
https://livinghopechurch.net/the-15-attributes-of-love/
