In a time where tragedy is about as common as the common cold, it would make anyone wonder, “Where is the love?” How can you find love in a world full of heartache and catastrophes? How can you show love to those who have hurt you and spitefully used you? How are you supposed to love someone who curses or uses you? There is only one answer: Become it.
If you’ve never heard of Dan Mohler, I encourage you to type his name in the YouTube search bar. His video, Above All…LOVE discusses the importance of becoming who God is; Love. His words echo the important truth that understanding His love, brings us to a place where we not only find our identity, but come to know the identities of those around us. Christ created us to be just like Him. We were called to love in such a way, that it “covers a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8b, NKJV) so, the sins of others should not be highlighted, put on display or promoted. Becoming love means choosing to deny the right to be right. It means that when we see our brother or sister sin, we correct them in love and lead them to Christ, rather than condemn them.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 states:
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.”
Love doesn’t do many of the things we do. It doesn’t seek its own. It doesn’t become puffed up or prideful. It doesn’t keep a record of wrong doing. If you are faced with an unjust situation, how would you respond? If your friend walks up to you and spews hateful words towards you, are you going to retaliate in anger or fear? Too many of us choose to protect ourselves instead of getting to the root of the behavior; the “why” behind the decision, word or action. If we can step outside of ourselves and become love (literally become who we were created to be) we can change the world.
With all of these horrific events that are happening all around us like Charlottesville, it’s so important for us to understand the importance of becoming love. It’s important to show the world the love that Christ has for His people. It’s so vital to show the people around us what Love can really do for them. It’s through Christ’s love that peace abounds. It’s through His influence, that turmoil ceases to control the atmosphere. Love is restorative. Love is redeeming. Love is healing.
And it’s through this love, that we see the glory of God fulfilled through His people. Becoming love means making a decision to choose His way above your own way. It’s to be radical in the pursuit of Christ and showing that pursuit through your love for others. R. C. Sproul highlights this important truth in his article, The Christian Virtue of Love.
“We’re talking about a much deeper dimension of love, a virtue so paramount that it is to distinguish Christians from all other people.”
Together, we have the power to change the course of history for our families, our nation and our world by choosing to become one simple word: Love.
How do you become love? Check back next Saturday for part 2 where we will go deeper into scripture to find out how.
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