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“If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well.” James 2:8 (ESV)

What the world needs know Is love, sweet love it’s the only thing there’s just too little of…..I remember hearing this song as a little girl.  It sounded ever so sweet.  And love at that tender age didn’t appear lacking.  Life was simple then…..when love evolved around our parents and family.

Fast forward to teen years and young adulthood, we learned quickly the shortage of love was ever increasing.  Bullying, peer pressure, fake friendships and lost “puppy” loves left us empty and wondering what’s love got to do with it?

Want to know the secret to “real” love?  It’s found in giving.  Yes, you got it – while we are always desiring the receiving end, real love sacrificially and generously gives.  Without holding back or looking out for what’s in it for me.

“Love your neighbor as yourself,” echoes from the heart of One who demonstrates His love so beautifully.  Jesus came to serve…to give…..the perfect love which endured humiliation, suffering and death despite our tendencies to be self absorbed, and indulgent. Daily He surrounds us with His unconditional love setting the example of what love has to do with it.

When we choose to love others as self, we become their best cheerleader.  We don’ covet their achievements or seek to compare self with them.  We love selflessly seeking their best rather than choosing the preferred for self.  We guard our words.  We become intentional listeners and gracious investors in the lives of others.

So you see love has everything to do with how we imitate Jesus to our world.  A world that’s desperately searching for the “real” thing.  A world accustomed to broken flawed relationships.  A world afraid to trust or hope in the impossible. A world consumed with self and convinced everyone else is too. A world Jesus gave His life for despite our inability to love perfectly in return.

So sweet friend if you’re wondering what’s love got to do with it…then glance toward a rugged cross.  Hear the resounding pounds of nails piercing His hands.  Envision the crown of thorns crushing His head.  Glimpse the drops of blood trickling down.  Listen closely for His final words – It is finished – love defined in a way foreign to our human comprehension.

When we get even a small understanding of Jesus’ love, we realize loving our neighbor isn’t really hard. It’s simply recognizing that love has everything to do with the way we reflect Jesus to our world.

“Father, it is ever so easy to get caught up in self and desire what works best for us without regard to others.  Help us to remember Your selfless, unconditional love and choose intentionally to love our world  the way You do.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life