“Love means doing what God has commanded us, and He has commanded us
to love one another, just as you heard from the beginning.” – 2 John 1:6 (NLT)
Recently, my wife shared with me the simple joy she finds in going to bed each night with a clean kitchen! Last night there were a few ‘stray’ dishes lingering on the countertop. Feeling a twinge of irritation, I shared my emotions with my boys who were nearby saying, “There is nothing in me right now that ‘feels’ like cleaning these dishes. I am rinsing them and putting them in the dishwasher, because I know your mom loves to have a clean kitchen!” Despite not feeling particularly inclined, I chose to love my wife, because I understand the significance it holds for her.
In our daily lives, we often grapple with challenging questions:
“Can I extend love, regardless of my current emotions?”
“Will I love with the same selflessness as Jesus Christ?”
“Will I do what God commanded?”
Jesus Christ loved, even when He did not feel like it. We are called to follow His example. Paul encouraged us in Ephesians 5:1-2 saying, “Be imitators of God, therefore, as beloved children, and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God.” Let us be that loving person today. Our friends, families, communities, and the world need it. Not only will Jesus be pleased (2 Corinthians 5:9), but your love can inspire hope in others.
Every day we are faced with the challenging question, “Will I ‘do what God commanded’ by loving, regardless of how I feel, or not?”
Tip of the Day
Practice doing an act of love today, even if you do not feel like it.
Prayer
Dear Father, You know the lack of love I carry. Thank You that You loved me first and placed the love of God in my heart through Your Holy Spirit. Thank You for Your grace and enabling me to love others. Help me to show that love today and often. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pause and Reflect
Think about a personal experience where you chose to act in love despite not feeling inclined to do so. What was the outcome?
How can you cultivate a mindset of love that goes beyond fleeting emotions or feelings?
In what practical ways can you express love today, even when faced with challenges or emotions that might hinder it?
