Even though today is a day sensationalized by society to be the one day to be filled with romance and love, I find it kind of sad to think that we have to choose a day to dedicate to showing love to others. Especially as Christians, the basis for Christianity and really the existence of Jesus' life here on earth is love. If I had to sum up the purpose of all Christians into one sentence it would be "love God, love others." A few years ago when The Purpose Driven Life was so popular I read it and was deeply moved by it's message (if you haven't read it I highly recommend it - it is life and mind changing). The one quote that I have inscribed in the front cover of my Bible from this great book is this:
"God, whether I get anything else done today, I want to make sure that I spend time loving you and loving other people - because that's what life is all about. I don't want to waste today."
p. 126
After writing that in the cover of my Bible and trying to put those words into action (trying is the key word here). I began frequently stumbling upon this message in the Bible, all over the Bible - the new testament, and even the old! I then began listing the verses that support this important call upon Christians, sometime referred to as the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:38). It's shocking how often this message is repeated to us, obviously God wanted us to be clear on this mission for his people. I see this message as what all of Christianity boils down to, the central mission of God's people. Here are some of the verses I've found to support this important call:
Mark 12:29-31
Matthew 22:37-40
1 John 3:23
Luke 10-25-28
1 Peter 4:7-8
John 13: 34-35
2 John 1:5-6
John 15:17
Deuteronomy 6:5-8
1 Corinthians 13
Romans 13:8-10
Leviticus 19:18, 34
John 15:12
Galatians 5:14
James 2:8
1 John 3:11
I am sure there are more, so let me know if you have another verse to add to my list! This world needs loving people and not just today, on the day we celebrate love.
May each of us who claim His name rise to this calling and learn to love deeply, extravagantly and openly because now is the time that it is needed, where ever you are is the place it is needed, and whoever you are with is the person who needs it.
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