Step 5: Choose Love

A large part of any relationship is discovering that love is a choice and an act rather than a feeling. This is true in marriage, friendship, and God’s family as well. Though the church right now may be filled with strife, we must often return to this fundamental truth: that God sent his Son to save us because he loves us and he is love (John 3:16).

From our vantage point on earth, our sin created an irreconcilable difference between us and God. But fortunately, God went to great lengths to reconcile the irreconcilable. Why was God so passionate about fixing what we broke? One word: love.

Don’t get me wrong; loving each other is not an easy thing. I’m not saying it is. But love is fundamental. Without love for one another, we will never be reconciled to each other, and without love, we would never be reconciled to God. Whenever we lose sight of this truth, we will lapse into disdain, disunity, or even hatred—and the Enemy will relish sowing discord among us if ever handed such an opportunity. He loves nothing more than to see God’s people at odds with one another.

Next time you are struggling with someone, ask God to remind you of his love for you both. Ask him to reveal to you how every person he has ever made was created in his image. Ask him to remind you that love is worth fighting for. And thank him for the ultimate love, the saving love, that set you and all God’s people free.

Was this plan helpful? We adapted this plan from the book Love Outside the Lines by Jimmy Rollins. Check it out for more.