Lean into Love
It is evident all around us.
In every area of our lives.
I don’t have to tell you.
Like me, you probably see it everyday.
Division.
“How can you even be around someone like that?”
“If you supported him or her, please unfriend me.”
“You call yourself a Christian…”
The list goes on and on.
My heart has felt heavy, watching as friends part ways, family members don’t speak and beliefs are challenged.
It is heartbreaking.
And the enemy is delighted.
In fact, he is overjoyed.
Because he does his best work when we are divided.
Our Heavenly Father wants just the opposite for His children.
He wants us to be united.
Knowing all of His children are vastly different.
In their opinions, their experiences, their appearance.
Despite all of these differences, the same God calls us HIS.
He sacrificed His Son not for one, but all.
Even if the groups today sound different than in Biblical times, this truth remains:
Christ died for all and is in all.
“In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and He lives in all of us.” Colossians 3:11 NLT
So what do we do when the world pulls us toward hate and division?
We lean into love.
The Bible gives us instructions to follow.
We must see all through His eyes.
“Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like Him.” Colossians 3 :11 NLT
Our instruction continues in Colossians.
“Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.”
Colossians 3: 12-15 NLT
If we are called to share His love with the world, how can we do so if we are unwilling to move out of our comfort zones and enter other worlds?
Look at the model that Paul set before us.
“Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ. When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law. When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ. When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.” 1 Corinthians 9: 19-23 NLT
When we tear others down, we are not garmented in His love.
God clearly spells out what this love looks like in His Word.
“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.
It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.
Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.”
1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 NLT
He tells us that our top priority should be loving His people.
“Let love be your highest goal.” 1 Corinthians 14:1 NLT
Simply put, we called to love everyone.
Friends, the enemy’s goal is to pull us apart.
When the world tries to pull us away from each other, remember these three things:
- Clothe yourselves in kindness
- Find common ground with everyone
- Let love be your highest goal…always.
His love is for everyone.
Let it be evident to those around us.
In every area of our lives.
Lean into love.
