Love requires action. It’s not a thing we try to
get for ourselves, but instead is an action we express to others through sharing and serving.
Because love is an action, I believe there are three different forms of love God has instructed us to demonstrate, or “live out.” Each one needs to be in balance so they can work together.
#1 Loving God
So, how do you express love for God? By telling God, “I love You”? Singing praises to Him? These are good things, but they only scratch the surface.
We show God we love Him through obedience because actions definitely speak louder than words. I believe our level of obedience grows as we get to know and experience His love, goodness and faithfulness in our lives. Our desire to follow and obey the Lord’s commandments increases as we increase our love of God.
#2 Loving Yourself
When Jesus talked about the greatest commandment of all, He quoted Deuteronomy 6:5 and said we are to love God with all our heart. But He also added the second greatest commandment: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. (See Mark 12:31.)
There’s something important here that I think people often miss: You cannot give away something you don’t have in you. How can someone love another person if they don’t love themselves? “You cannot give away something you don’t have in you. ”
We all need to accept ourselves, embrace our personalities and even our imperfections, knowing that although we are not where we need to be, we are making progress. Jesus died for us because we have weaknesses and imperfections, and we don’t have to reject ourselves because of them. God wants us to love ourselves and enjoy how He’s made us!
#3 Loving Others
If we love our brothers and sisters who are believers, it proves that we have passed from death to life. But a person who has no love is still [spiritually] dead. (1 John 3:14).
Loving others is the only way to keep the God-kind of life flowing through you. God’s love is a gift to us; it’s in us, but we need to release it to others through words and actions. Left dormant, it will stagnate like a pool of water with no outlet.
The act of loving others is one of the most exhilarating things I have experienced. I feel excitement stirring in my spirit and soul when I plan to do something to make someone else feel loved and cared for. You can experience the same exhilaration just by “loving out loud.” Here’s a challenge: Think of three people you know who could really use a gesture of God’s love. Then think of creative ways you can express His love to these people, and do it. I guarantee you will feel a wonderful sense of fulfillment and joy afterward. (JOYCE MEYER)