The Way Of Love

What is the master of your emotions? Is it fear? Is it anger? Is it insecurity? Is it greed? Is it ambition? Or, is it love? Follow the way of love and all other emotions fall into their proper places. Like good soldiers with various ranks they march together in sequence. The way of love keeps us from wandering down destructive paths, as it is relational lubricant. Love leads us to look at life with the priority of first having cared for another’s concern.

“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10).

Love is an effective leader, because it looks ahead with eyes of compassion. It sees a need in the near future and prepares to meet that need. Love looks away from itself, and projects a prayerful empathy for other individuals. It is a leader worth following, because love leads unselfishly: selfless in service–selfless in sacrifice–selfless in sensitivity.

“You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love” (Galatians 5:13).

Love leads you to the Lord, for “God is love” (1 John 4:16). Because He is love, you follow God when you follow love. So, where is the Lord of love leading you? Is it to forgive freely? Then forgive. Is it to give generously? Then give. Is it to go the second mile in your vows? Then go. He is your model of how to love, so love well like your Lord. He loves best in your worst of times, as His love lingers long like a loyal friend.

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2).

Thus follow the way of love! Faith is good, hope is better, but love is best. Faith leads you to believe in God, hope leads you to rest in God, but love leads you to know God. Faith leads you to start with Christ, hope leads you to continue with Christ, but love leads you to finish with Christ. Indeed, love others well as faith and hope will freely follow.

“Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart” (1 Peter 1:22).

Am I motivated by love in my work, family and ministry? Who do I need to love well?

Related Readings: Deuteronomy 7:9; Hosea 3:1; John 13:34; 1 John 3:23