How do you demonstrate love? Is it in a touch, a glance, a word or phrase, or even in a particular act? God designed for each of us to love in a way that draws others to Christ. The Apostle Paul wrote: “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:1-2). We are called to walk in the way of love.
God has given every female the gift to nurture love. The New Testament writers chose from four Greek words predominantly used for love: storge (see Romans 12:10; 1:33; 2 Timothy 3:3), which is empathy, or family affection; philia, describing a friendship (see John 11:3); eros, connotating a romantic love, which is not used in the NT, but Paul taught on the concept in marriage (see 1 Corinthians 7:1-5); and agape, a self-sacrificial, unconditional, active love (see 1 John 4:8, 16). Agape is the most frequently used word for love in the New Testament because it flows from the very heart of God.
“God is love” (1 John 4:8). Jesus Christ is the ultimate portrait of God’s love: “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him” (1 John 4:9). Each of us is a result of God’s love, created to perpetuate the love we have received in others: “Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another” (1 John 4:11). John summarized that we should walk in the way of agape love: “Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them” (1 John 4:16).
Walk in the way of God’s love. Identify a friend or family member requiring help and meet their need with a loving deed. Continue to seek how you can walk in the way of love when you encounter strangers; whether opening a door; surrendering a coveted parking space; tipping the fast-food help with more than they earn in an hour; carrying someone’s bags; volunteering to greet visitors at your church; or giving time, talent, or treasure to an organization who walks in the way of love. You will intimately experience the transformative heart of Christ by drawing others to Him.
Episode 251: Cute Girls Made with Kelsey Kruse (Part 2) from mitchkrusetv on Vimeo.