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Spring - Written by Claire Hailwood

Day 11 - A Time to Love

Did you ever have a crush on someone as a teenager and think that you loved them? When I was growing up I was convinced that I was in love with at least one member of a particular boy band. I remember telling my parents as a passionate 13 year old that I would love him forever despite them trying to help me see that perhaps I may not. I remember where I was and how I felt when my now husband told me he loved me. I still have the note when my daughter first wrote those words to me. Though often misunderstood, love is powerful and greatly sought after. 

The invitation that God gives us to step into new things, the potential, opportunity, and vibrancy of what ‘spring’ contains should be something that captivates us, even in the midst of the stretch, and even when preceded by winter. All of this pours out from God who lavishes His love on us in giving Jesus. It all flows from His heart. 1 John 3:16-19 (NIV) is an incredible reminder of God’s great love for us. So while spring is designed to be captivating, nothing should captivate us more than the one who created it all.

We’re made in the image of God who loves extravagantly. When we’re in a ‘spring’ season enjoying the newness of the season, our greatest aim and focus should be to love God more, and to give glory to our maker more passionately than before. Mark 12:30-31 (NIV) encourages and calls us to love God with ALL that we are, with every fibre of our being and then to love others in the same way. When we dig a little deeper Paul shows us that love is not just a nice idea but core to who we are. We can pursue opportunities and gifting, and enjoy all the ‘benefits’ that a ‘spring’ season has to offer, but without love it’s pointless.

The English language is so limited because we only have one word for love. I love ice cream and I love my husband but in a very different way! So what is love? Especially in a world where it’s sometimes mocked, minimised, distorted or cheapened? The word of God, the truth that stands in a world that’s ever changing, , shows us what love is. Love is outlined in 1 Corinthians 13 verses 4-7 (TPT).  How does your heart and life measure up against these verses? Try replacing the word ‘love’ with your name each time it appears and see if it’s an accurate description! Like me, I’m sure there are many areas for you to grow in and new depths and strength to find. 

We’re made in the image of God who IS love and therefore this is who we’re called to be. The spring season is filled with so much possibility, potential, and opportunity. Putting down deep roots in love will produce fruit for the present and future. In spring, develop the discipline of choosing love, it honours God first which brings Him glory and this is our purpose in living). Additionally,  it demonstrates to a world that doesn’t know Jesus that we’re those who love and follow Him.

ASK :

• Where and how do you love well? What does it mean for you to pursue new depths of love, for God and for others?