The Look of Love

Can someone define love for me? What is it?  How do I know it?  What does love mean?

 

What does LOVE look like?  Will I know it when I see it?  Is it like the Sergio Mendes song from the 60's?

 

 

 

Those are all valid questions - particularly in today's world where there are so many opinions, options and where just about anything goes.  Love has been minimized, objectified and vilified.  It has been cheapened, materialized and made a bargaining tool.

 

What is true love?  As Steve shows below, Paul defines it so simply and clearly in 1 Corinthians 13.  All family members -  parents, spouses and children - can do a self audit on the Bible's definition of love.  Let's ask ourselves (very seriously), "HOW AM I DOING IN LOVING THE WAY JESUS WANTS ME TO?"

 

Am I patient with my spouse and kids?  Am I kind to them?  Do I boast, am I proud, do I dishonor others by my words, actions or deeds (even when no one is looking)?  Am I selfish?  Do I get angry easily?  Do I keep a record of wrongs and throw them back as a show of power at my spouse or kids from time to time?  Do I hate evil and rejoice in the truth or visa versa?  Does my love for my family ALWAYS protect, trust, hope and always persevere (you know, does it get through everything life throws in its path)?

 

As I've told you before, I have done that "self audit" numerous times through my life for my relationship with Lisa, Kasey and Keeley and way too often, I fell woefully short in just about EVERY category!  Yikes!!!

 

God knows the life he wants for us - a holy, joyous, meaningful life of faith, hope and love.  Perhaps the most important step in seeing that life come to fruition is to learn how to love on God's terms. 

 

We parents teach our kids how to love by our actions and words.  They will love the same way we do - that can be frightening or life affirming.  Model God's love to your families every day.  You will make mistakes, but love with all your heart, soul, mind and might - just as God loves each one of us.

 

LOVE your families!

 

Scott

 

 

 

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

LOVE ONE ANOTHER (Day 12) > > > Love is…

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

If you have ever been to a wedding, odds are good that this verse was read out loud as a challenge to the new bride and groom. It’s a powerful and beautiful list of the attributes that go along with the kind of love God has in mind for His people…and for our families.

Imagine for a minute if these attributes began to show up in your home. What would it be like for brothers and sisters…mothers and fathers…husbands and wives? What would dinnertime be like…or Saturdays…or Sunday’s before church? How would our families react to tough times or heartache or the needs in our community?

I’m confident that just about every member of your family and mine understands these attributes. I’m confident that we know how to live them out. I’m confident that the power of the Holy Spirit enables us to put them into practice every single day…we just choose not to.

APPLICATION: Take turns reading through this beautiful passage of Scripture. Listen carefully as each family member recites these powerful descriptions of what love can look like. Pray through them as a family, asking the Lord to help you live them out every single day.