But how can we do everything with love?

As believers we hear that we are to love our neighbors, do good to those who persecute us, love your enemies and to do everything we do with love.

We know this is true as it is written in the Old Testament and again in the New Testament. In fact Jesus said it on more than one occasion, Luke 6:28 (ESV) “Bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you”, Matthew 5:44 (ESV) “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Peter, John and Paul, all say it as well: Paul in Romans 12:14, Peter in 1 Peter 3:9 and John in 1 John 4:7.

We can read this and agree that we are called to love, but the question is how? Love is hard, especially in today’s time when division is running crazy through people, our nation and even our churches.

So how can we love? Well, the first step is to humble ourselves, in 1 Corinthians 13 it says that love is patience, kind, without envy or boasting and it also says it does not insist on its own way. So, in humility we can show grace and receive grace to act in love as it says in James 4:6 (ESV) “But he gives more grace. Therefore, it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble."

When we act in humility, we see that we can not do this without Christ, so we lean into Him more, and become slow to speak and quick to listen (not just listen but truly hear) what others are saying. If you do this you will see the true heart behind each person, instead of anger you will see hurt, instead of pride you will see insecurities and you will see hearts desperate to be accepted.

Once we see this then we can speak truth to the heart of the person, and that truth is who the answer truly is, Jesus. If we are to love our neighbors as ourselves and treat others as we want to be treated, then we need to do so as Christ, because He set the example. He forgave you at your worst and that same mercy and grace is for all, so share that with all.

Pastor Scott Acklin can be reached at New Fire Ministries.