Loving Well预览

Seed

I do not want to appear to be Captain Obvious, but where there is a fruit, there is a seed. When analyzing the fruit of love, it’s important to recognize where it comes from. 

In Scripture we see the Son of God being conceived by God. We see Jesus growing up quietly. We see Him silently working hard as a carpenter, not distinguishable from others in humanity. We see Him being baptized as he starts His ministry. We see Him perform miracles, from turning water to wine to helping the blind see and the deaf hear, to paying His taxes supernaturally, to walking on water, as well as to raising the dead. We see Him being tempted and being victorious.

Then we see the dark chapter of Jesus being betrayed, beaten, and hung on a cross to die, saying, “Father, forgive them,” and experiencing death. Next, we hear the good news of Jesus resurrecting from the dead, coming back to visit his disciples, and ascending to the Father’s right hand.

The seed of our love is Christ in us. Love manifests itself in situations and persons God puts in front of you at any given time. Love is self-sacrificing, self-disciplined, and obedient, even if we don’t understand or do not agree with God’s lifestyle.

This lifestyle of loving well sometimes goes unseen and unnoticed throughout the routines of life. Sometimes, being a part of quiet miracles that nobody sees can often changes lives. Sometimes, caring well might mean that you go through a season of conflict, being misunderstood or rejected.

In the Bible, you can see God’s love through Christ. As Jesus grew, He pushed through to serve others with His life, words, or deeds. The seed of love that is in us is active and dynamic, and pushes us to be servants of those around us.

As we start living the lifestyle of loving well, often we are given nutrition, faith, and encouragement to strengthen our ability to love better. That is our hope through trials or daily confines, or in being part of a miracle that others learn from us to love well.