“And this I pray, that your love may abound more and more…”
If love is not growing within us then it is dying within us. God’s love is never stagnant. It is always searching for ways to manifest itself in our lives so that we can touch the lives of others. His love radiates from within us if we allow it to. If we don’t, then we become ineffective in our witness to the world.
So how do I keep this love that God has shown me active and alive? How do I keep from being like the Ephesian church, which lost their first love? It is essential to keep in mind that love is one of the fruits of the spirit. Fruit only multiplies one way – by the planting of the seed that is within the fruit. The fruit of the spirit is no different. We experience growth in our love relationships with others by giving love at every opportunity.
So when the world seems to come against you, and you wonder if you can endure through it, give love. When all seems to be going wrong, and you’re not sure which way to turn, give love. When someone wrongs you, give love. When someone uses you, give love. When someone gossips about you, give love. As you give love, the seed will not only start to grow in others, but it will also grow in you.
The golden rule has been forgotten in our society today. Do unto others as you would like them to do unto you has been turned into Do unto others as they do unto you. This is the wrong reaction every time. If we remain in our first love, we will always treat others with respect, with empathy, with love. There is never a time we should react out of anger or revenge. This is how love will abound.
Father, there have been so many times I have not reacted with your love to a situation. I have given in to my own selfish desires to see that person who wronged me also suffer wrong. I have gossiped about someone else because they gossiped about me. I have wished ill will on someone because they treated me with disrespect. Help me to love in all sitautions. Help me to show your love to the world.
Pete's Bible Studies 