ABIDING IN LOVE

The love of God is not for a select few, and it is not fleeting. It is for all people, for all time.

Neither should our Christian love for others be momentary. When we treat love as a goal-oriented affection, it becomes a duty. When we only love a person so that something will happen to them or to get something from them, it becomes a commodity to be bartered. This is not the kind of love God has called us to.

We do not love as a means to an end. We love because God first loved us. To love is to abide, to be present for someone. To truly see them and to love them as they are.

To love without limits, we must first abide in and be present to the limitless love of God. This means allowing His love into every part of our lives and inner world, especially the parts that are neglected and unfruitful. We must let Him gently prune away anything unproductive in our lives so that we can experience growth and renewal. When we learn to authentically abide or remain in His love, we are released to love others in a pure and untethered way.

Daily Prayer

God, I invite you into the parts of my inner world and my life that feel unlovable. I accept your loving care and pruning of anything that is unfruitful. Thank you for remaining close to me in every season. Help me to abide in your love.

Teach me to share this abiding love with others.