LOVE

Real active thriving love can do huge things in us and through us, and make an even bigger impact in those around us. Many of the things wrong with the world today, are the way they are because love is ABSENT. The absence of love can wreak havoc within friendships, families, marriages, churches... and the world at large. So what do we do? We love. We love everyone no matter what. We pray for more love where there's none or very little. We choose unity, peace, and love when maybe our hearts want to fight back. That's going to mean something different for every person and situation. It's not always easy, but it's right.

In a world where love is defined as being and not being so many different things.. one thing is always true. No matter what anyone else is doing, WE can always choose love. We live in a day and age where we can tweet, text, fb, and blog anything we feel. Although I hope my blogs can encourage people, I also recognize that even these words can only go so far. The world needs us to get off our couch, walk out our front door, and show people love. Show the world love. Love is worth it.

Last week Nate's aunt died, and this past weekend was the funeral. At the funeral the pastor who spoke read Psalm 23, but did something different with it. Most of the times God was referred to in the Psalm, he replaced it with the word "LOVE". At first I thought to myself "why would you change scripture?" Then I quickly reminded myself that God IS love, so it's actually very fitting and appropriate. What this Psalm becomes when you reflect on God and Love being connected, is something very beautiful. I encourage you to actually read it and really let it sink in.

“LOVE is my shepherd, I lack nothing. LOVE makes me lie down in green pastures, LOVE leads me beside quiet waters, LOVE refreshes my soul. LOVE guides me along the right paths for his nameʼs sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for LOVE is with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. LOVE anoints my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely LOVE'S goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

Isn't that just incredible?
If you are feeling overwhelmed or disheartened about ANYTHING today, I encourage you to reflect on that verse. Even if you don't believe in God or the Bible, I think we can all agree that LOVE can be a powerful thing.

Romans‬ ‭12:9-21‬
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lordʼs people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for Godʼs wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
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‭‭1 John‬ ‭3:18‬
“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13:13‬
“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is LOVE.”