“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud.” 1 Corinthians 13:4 NLT
I have a relative who, at any given opportunity, always says, “You know I love you, right?” But her actions never match that statement. At some point, it started to sound like a mantra, not something she meant.
After a while, my wife had to block communication with her because of the disparity in words and actions.
It’s easy to make statements we think we mean. But after some reflection, we’ll realise that, while it sounds nice, we’re not prepared to put in the effort required to follow through on what we say.
This subject of love still causes confusion in certain circles today, but one thing is clear: God’s kind of love is unique and only attainable with the help of the Holy Spirit.
It is natural for humans to be impatient, wicked, jealous, and proud. We see this in people every day. But to overcome these flaws and switch to the kind of love God has for us requires His help.
God’s words match His actions, which is why John 3:16 exists;
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
If we must show love as believers, we have an example in Christ to follow.
How can we ensure we mean the love we profess to those we encounter as we work?
As the leaders God has created us to be, we profess love to our colleagues, the customers we serve, our partners, and every other vital relationship. But do we mean it?
If you say you run a Christian organisation, and yet your team perceives you to be a wicked person, have your actions matched your words?
If you tell your clients that you love them and want to solve their problems but prefer to insult them when they present a problem, have you shown love?
Sometimes, I want to give an annoying client a piece of my mind because it’s easier than being patient. But in doing that, I create a bad reputation for other people who genuinely show love.
To reflect God’s love in all our dealings, we must involve Him in everything. All work starts with God. Our thoughts, words, and actions must be geared towards doing what God’s word says and not what we want to do.
We must be willing to receive feedback on how we work and treat others, recalibrating our motives as we go along. We must intentionally correct our wrongs and decide to do things better and differently next time.
It takes intention to love like God. But it also takes a lifetime. This is why we will still make mistakes, but our intent and willingness to realign are important. This is how we grow in love every day.
“I grow in love for God and others daily.”
We have a lifetime to think, feel, speak, and act like God. What are you doing today to make this happen? What will you do tomorrow?
Ask the Holy Spirit for help, and you’ll work differently.
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