Love in Action
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
Let’s face it. We live in a love-saturated culture. Everywhere you turn, you see television shows, movies, magazines, books, and other products designed to get us to buy/watch/read by appealing to our desire to tap into love.
Most of the “love” in this world comes down to “what you do for me”—it’s about how you make me feel. When I don’t feel love for you, I’m going to walk away.
But real love doesn’t move on in difficult moments—it holds on and fights for the “other.” If the world’s perspective is wrong, let’s look at the Bible’s perspective. One of the most famous chapters in the Bible is 1 Corinthians 13. It’s often called “The Love Chapter.” In this section, Paul goes on…and on…and, well, you get it—all about LOVE.
Here’s the kicker: Paul uses verbs, not adjectives, to talk about love. Love is something to be done, not something to be felt. Here it is broken down with a bit of explanation about what Paul is trying to get at.
– Love is patient—it performs the positive act of waiting
– Love is kind—it responds to others with a tender heart
– Love does not envy—there are no intense negative feelings over another’s success
– Love is not boastful—not a pompous windbag
– Love is not conceited—not puffed up (puffing up the self puts others down)
– Love does not act improperly—refers to shameful behavior
– Love is not selfish—doesn’t seek personal advantage over the “other”
– Love is not provoked—doesn’t get caught up or riled up, not irritable
– Love does not keep a record of wrongs—don’t get historical!
– Love finds no joy in unrighteousness but rejoices in the truth—treat each other fairly
– Love bears all things—protects and covers up what is displeasing in others
– Love believes all things, hopes all things—trusting in God’s care and protection
– Love endures all things—love doesn’t bail out when times get tough
– Love never ends—despite trouble, hardship, or affliction, love perseveres
Jesus’ take on love is even more extreme. It’s not just about action—it’s about selfless action. This is the greatest act of love, putting others ahead of yourself to the extreme.
During Advent, we often focus on the wrong type of love. Love in Advent isn’t about feeling that it’s the most wonderful time of the year. It’s recognizing that God loves us through His actions. He cares, so He acts accordingly. Christ coming to the world is the greatest act of love because it puts our needs as His priority.
The flip side to this Christmas miracle is that we are commanded to pick up and carry this definition of love! With God, we can create God’s kingdom on earth, and it all starts with love—how we treat and prioritize others.
By CHAPLAIN CHRIS LINZEY