In my recent post, Hello Mornings!, I mentioned that I was part of a large group of women who are studying the Book of 1 Peter, and that we were reading various other passages of scripture to get to know Peter as a person. As I was reading Acts 4:13, this particular phrase jumped out at me: “they recognized that they (Peter and John) had been with Jesus.”
As I mentioned, I realize that this scripture refers to Peter and John being physically identified as two of Jesus’ disciples, who had walked and lived with the Lord. But as I read this, the thought came to me, “Can people recognize that I have been with Jesus?”
Jesus told us in John 13:35 how others would recognize us as being with Him. He said, This is how everyone will recognize that you are My disciples – when they see the love you have for each other.
How will people recognize that you have been with Jesus? By the love you show to others.
The Bible tells us to “walk in love” – Ephesians 5:2 (NLT) Live a life filled with love for others, following the example of Christ…
This is a command, not a suggestion: Matt 22:37-39 (KJV) Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself .
If we are going to be doers of the Word, and not hearers only (James 1:22), then we must train ourselves to walk in love. We must respond in love at ALL times. We should be endeavoring each day to display the love of God within our own home to our family. We should walk in love to our friends and fellow Christians. We should respond in love to those who irritate us, anger us, use us, and persecute us. (Ouch!) We should live a life of love toward those who are unsaved, unlovely, or seemingly undeserving.
After all, this is what Jesus did – what He still does!
We have to remember that love is not a feeling. Love is a decision. Love is an action. There will be many, many times that we will have to “act” in love even when we don’t have those warm-fuzzy feelings toward someone. We will have to “act” in love when our flesh would rather punch someone in the face (I’m sure you’ve never wanted to do that – that’s probably just me)! As an act of our will, and in obedience to our Lord, we will purposely show His love.
The more you practice walking in love, the more you “act” like you love, the easier it will become. Love is revealed in word and action, so you’re going to have to act like you love because you really do! Romans 5:5 (NIV) tells us that God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us. We have God’s love in us so that we can love others.
Will you be perfect? No! But anytime you find yourself stepping out of love with someone (in your thoughts, words or actions), be quick to repent and get back over into love.
Here are a few scriptures to meditate on:
1 Peter 1:22 (CEB) As you set yourselves apart by your obedience to the truth so that you might have genuine affection for your fellow believers, love each other deeply and earnestly.
1 Peter 4:8 (AMP) Above all things have intense and unfailing love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins [forgives and disregards the offenses of others].
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (AMP) Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily. It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God’s love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong]. It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail. Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening]. Love never fails…
1 Corinthians 14:1 (AMP) Eagerly pursue and seek to acquire this love [make it your aim, your great quest]…
The more we meditate on the love of God, the more eagerly we pursue love and the more we practice walking in love, the more people will recognize that we have been with Jesus!
Thanks Alisha! This has been something that I have been meditating on for the last week or two. It really spoke to me this morning. My daughter had a friend that called her a hypocrite because she was talking to someone that is not one of her friends, someone that she doesn’t approve of the things that she does or is involved in. I told her that she was showing the Love of God to that girl and that was what God would want her to do.
Exactly! You are such a good mom, Sandy! Love you!
I read this: Love is a decision & I instantly thought…”How can I make better decisions on how to love?” & then you ended with this: The more we meditate on the love of God, the more eagerly we pursue love and the more we practice walking in love, the more people will recognize that we have been with Jesus! So there I go! Thanks Alisha 🙂
Ha ha! I wrote this post for me! I have to remind myself to “stay on the love side” quite often – it takes practice. 😉 So, I have to meditate on these scriptures on a regular basis. Blessings to you Kim! ~ Alisha
Such an important reminder… Love all the scripture you included!
Thanks, Jenni! Blessings to you! 🙂
I discovered your blog on the Not Back to School Blog Hop and have really enjoyed reading your posts. Thank you for the reminder to respond in love in all situations. It is most definitely a decision and many times a difficult one! I also enjoyed reading your homeschooling posts. This is my 5th year homeschooling, but my first in using the Charlotte Mason method. So far, we all LOVE it, but I do feel a bit clueless because I know of no one else teaching this way! I will definitely be reading more this weekend when I have more time!
Thank you for visiting, Christy. I believe you will find the Charlotte Mason method very relaxed and easily adapted to your lifestyle. We love it! Blessings to you and your family, Alisha
Ali, I assure you, you are not alone in sometimes wanting to punch someone in the face. I was at that point as recently as yesterday. And, boy, did I need that scriptural base that I praise God He’s given me! Instead of driving there and punching this woman’s lights out, I prayed. I have the “love verses” from 1 Corinthians framed, posted on my wall, I need those reminders. Thanks for your blog.
Haha! Thank God for His Word & His grace, right? Blessings to you Janet!
I enjoyed reading your post. What a good reminder and encouragement.
Thanks for writing.
Amanda
Thank you, Amanda. Blessings to you! Alisha
Alisha, and the simplest way to determine if you’re walking in love? Ask, “Is this what I’d like someone to do to me?” Cuts to the chase every time. I visited from Be Not Weary today, and I”m glad I did 🙂
Amen! Thanks for visiting. Lori! Checking out your blog now. 🙂
Reminds me of the DC Talk song “Love is a verb”. 🙂
Thanks for linking up Alisha!
Amazing posts. So many great things to reflect on. I was just reading about loving others for our Lord in my devotions today! Thanks for sharing such a great post! I found your blog through The Fontenot Four link up!
Thank you so much for visiting, Aleks. Blessings to you! Alisha
Walking in love requires giving up self. Too often, I don’t like giving up self. But I do like living for my Savior and I do like walking in love, so I will keep working on it, in His strength! 🙂
I came by from the Thoughtful Thursday Blog Hop!
Amen, Deborah, so will I! 🙂 Thank you for visiting! ~ Alisha
Alisha…what a fabulous post! Such encouragement to love others like Jesus would. To walk in love means putting others before ourselves (Phil. 2:4). This week your post is the reader’s choice at WJIM. Thank you for sharing. Blessings.
Thank you so much, Naomi. I am truly humbled and honored. You are such a blessing!