Reflecting God’s Love

We learn through God’s Word what love is. What about what love isn’t? Love is not jealous, proud, or rude. It does not keep a record of wrongs, yet how many of us do this, though? We post on social media how much we love our spouse, but as soon as we see the trash can full or the toilet seat up, we are quick to angrily remind them how they “never” do it right. Sometimes, the object of our wrath is not a spouse, but a parent. We remind them, over and over again, of the mistakes they made through our childhood. These are not actions of love. 

Love conquers all. It is supportive, trusting, and never fails. In order to overcome battles and be healed from hurts, we need to know the true meaning of love. We need to acknowledge when we are not acting in love. Many of us love our spouse so very much that we believe jealousy is a form of loving them to protect the relationship. Jealousy is an ugly trait that speaks more about your insecurities. Controlling a relationship for fear of losing someone is absolutely not love. It says in the book of 1st John that love casts out all fears. I encourage you to love in a way that is free. If God, who loves you and is powerful enough to do so, does not control you, why are you trying to control someone you love? 

Some of us were not shown true love growing up. We witnessed jealousy in marriages or high-tempered relationships. Maybe your past did not allow you to have a clear example of love, but this does not mean you should continue the cycle. Christ’s love is your greatest example. Begin to act in love by knowing the God of love. When you choose Christ as your Savior, you are renewed and transformed into the image of God. We can forgive others because God has forgiven us. We can love because He first loved us. 

If you are struggling to love others or find yourself jealous, constantly bothered and quick to anger, I encourage you to do two things. First, begin to read the Bible to know the God of love more. Second, surround yourself with people who uplift love through a church or a Bible study. You were made to reflect God’s love here on earth.