Advent devotional: Love

Ever since my son Nash was born I’ve learned a lot about love…especially a Father’s love. For those of you who don’t know my son, he the 6 year old boy that fills up my Instagram feed. I’m seriously obsessed with him. I love Nash like nothing or no one I’ve ever loved before. I think my love for him is unique or set apart because I made him. He’s mine. Ok. So Ines may have had something to do with that, too, but you get my point. Ever since he was born, I’ve always wondered, “Is this what God feels when He looks at me?” This overwhelming intense love. I think it is.

God created us to be loved by Him, to love Him back, and to show His love to others. And God’s intense love for us isn’t trapped far far away from us in heaven. Love came near to us. His name is Immanuel.

Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel. ~ Isaiah 7:14

Immanuel – God is with us.

You see? Love is active. God didn’t love us from afar. No! He sent His son to love us up close. Each of us has a great need to be loved. Each of us has a great responsibility to love others. You are giving it or receiving it. Love is active.

And this love…it requires something if you.

My son Nash spells love “T-I-M-E.” Almost daily when we get home from school, he asks me, “Daddy, will you play with me?” Sometimes I don’t want to play, and I tell him I love him, but daddy’s busy. His face falls. My words are lost on him. Words without action. Empty.

Love is active!

When I have a proper view of love, I act as soon as he asks me to play. I show him that I SEE him. That he is treasured. That he matters. That I am always there for him and will never abandon him. The way God loves me. So am I to love my son.

Sometimes love is spelled “food” or “washing dishes” or “listening” or “embracing.” Consider the many ways to display or show your love for others.

God showed love for us by sending his one and only son to save us from sin. There are no boundaries or limitations to the love God has for us. We are made in His image. Let’s look for opportunities to love others without limits. Be extreme in your pursuit of loving others. They need your love. You need their love. If we all lived this way, all of our needs would be met. It would be like God’s Kingdom on earth.

By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” ~ John 7:35

I made up a somewhat corny acronym for this concept. L-O-V-E –

Look for Opportunities to Value Everyone

There is someone in your life who desperately needs to know that YOU love them. We are created in His image so that our love of others reflects God’s love to others. Who are you loving? Have you told them?! The love of God is at your fingertips to bless those around you. It’s powerful and life-giving.

Summary
God created us, and He loves His creation. We are created in His image so within us is a reflection of that love. Love is active. God’s love in action: Immanuel “God with us.” We are to show that love to others. When we do, people will see God in us.