The Greatest Is Love

Love is not a feeling. Although, when we love someone such as our spouse or children we feel all sorts of feelings and emotions, love is a choice we make. Emotions and feelings are produced through the love we choose with others. Love is a choice.

Paul says that love is patient and kind. We are able to love others through our actions of kindness and patience. If you are going through a dry spell in your marriage, it does not mean you have to behave in a lovey-dovey way. In any relationship where you feel bothered and annoyed, remind yourself that you were called and created to love others; even the rude lady at the post office.

Love is selfless. Our society and culture tell us to “do you,” meaning do not think of others and do everything for yourself. I believe Jesus would disagree. He was all about relationships. Jesus even asked us to love our enemies. This does not mean making an enemy your friend or allowing toxic relationships in your life. It means hoping the best for them and not wishing them any harm. When we love our enemies, we are acting as our heavenly Father.

Love is hopeful and endures through every circumstance. Think about those moments in your life that it was through love that you made it. Relationships are restored through love. The feelings of love are not always there, but we choose to love and through love’s power, we make it. Think about those who run marathons. I would never believe running 26.2 miles is an easy task. Yet, thousands of people do it, often for the love of running. Surely some want to give up, but they choose to keep going. Love does not lose faith.

You will only be able to truly love through God’s power in you. Love will come easily with certain relationships; in others, only God can help you choose kindness even when you do not feel like it. With God, you will be able to react patiently and not lose faith, remaining hopeful. Why? Because God is love. We are able to love others, including our enemies, because He first loved us. Without God, it is nearly impossible to love people we do not like. Disliking others and being irritable comes naturally to us. We need His supernatural work within us.

Seek God. His Word says that faith, hope and love last forever, yet the greatest of these is always love.