“And this is love: that we walk in obedience to His commands. As you have heard from the beginning, His command is that you walk in love.” (2 John 1:6)
Because the very essence and nature of God is love, it’s in loving others that we are most like Him. Paul writes, “If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve got nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love” (1 Corinthians 13:3). And love cannot be learned or practiced in isolation. You have to be around people — irritating, imperfect, demanding, frustrating people. Sometimes we act as if relationships are something to be squeezed into our schedule. We talk about finding time, or about making time for others.
Jesus summarized what matters most in two statements: “Love God” and “Love people” (Matthew 22:37-40). Relationships, not things, are what really matter in life. So why do we keep allowing our relationships to get shortchanged? Because when our lives become overloaded, we start skimming relationally, cutting back on the time, energy and attention good relationships require. We become too preoccupied with making a living, paying bills, and accomplishing goals, as if these were the point of life. They’re not! The point of life is learning to love — God and people.
Valentine’s Day is celebrated as a day of love for those closest to us. Jesus said to love one another as I have loved you (John 13:34). Life minus love equals zero! Mother Teresa said, “It’s not what you do, but how much love you put into it that matters.’ Love is the secret of a great legacy.
In our final moments we all realize that relationships are what life is all about. Wisdom is learning that truth sooner, rather than later. Don’t wait until it’s too late to figure that out!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me “walk in love” in my relationships with others. Keep me focused on what is important to You and consequently to me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Stay encouraged!
Pastor Mike
