But the greatest of these is love. – 1 Corinthians 13:13
Why is it so hard to love? Even sitting in a Church meeting we can look at other people and judge them, think thoughts that are not right. We can instead of looking with a smile and kindness, give a look that does not give love towards someone. Sometimes we think if we are more serious or hard on something that those actions are love. Sometimes the most spiritual thing a serious minded Disciple can do is smile. The world is full of people that are angry, hurt, sad, depressed, without joy or hope. When we show love to another person we are giving them the light of the world. I remember watching a man walking that seemed to have joy in his face, he stopped to open the door for an old person and even keep it open for the next people, as he did this action he did it as a servant with love. It seemed like he was not probably a believer but here is someone showing kindness and love to strangers where many Christian believers would not. The world needs to hear us preach and teach to them the Good News of Jesus. But they also need to see it in our actions and deeds of love.
Love is patient, love is kind, love does envy, or boast, love is not rude. Love is not self-seeking or easily angered and it keeps no memory of wrong. It never delights in evil. But rejoices in truth. Love always protects, always trusts, love always hopes and persevere. Love never fails. Love gave His only begotten Son. Those who believe in him will not perish, but they will live forever. God is love. St. Mark the Ascetic said, “The forgiveness of insults is a sign of true love, free from hypocrisy. For thus the Lord also loved this world.” It is easy to talk about Christian Discipleship but to walk in the way of love is the way of Christ. Jesus Christ did everything in love, he put others first and not himself. He focused on the needs of others and not himself. True disciples are those who are constantly thinking of others how to bless and serve other believers and the lost world (Mark 9:35). When we become this servant of all to mankind, God will continually fill us with his Spirit. If we keep to ourselves in what is comfortable and safe we will never be broken for others. God wants us to be broken so his life can be shared (2 Corinthians 4:7-8).
