The American Dictionary defines love as: “A deep, tender, ineffable feeling of affection and solicitude toward a person such as arising from kinship, recognition of attractive qualities or a sense of underlying oneness.”
The Hebrew word for love is: Ahava which means: “The more one gives, the more one loves and the greater the connection.”
The Greek word for love is: Agape’ which means: “Being content or holding one in high regard.”
What does God’s Word have to say about it?
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13
“And now abideth faith, hope, charity (love), these three; but the greatest of these is charity (love).” 1 Cor. 13:13
“And above all things have fervent charity (love) among yourselves; for charity (love) shall cover the multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8
“My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” 1 John 3:18
“He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” 1 John 4:8
As I ponder the word love according to what God’s Word says about it, my heart instantly remembers 1 John 4:8: “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” When a person loves another, he is actually activating the very Holy Spirit within Him. Loving another person is actually using God (because he equals love) to touch another. How awesome is that? I also like that the Bible mentions to “not love in word or tongue but in deed and in truth.” Are you tired of people that say they are your friends but don’t do the things that a real friend would naturally do?
That is not real love. Real love is sacrifice, and that takes action. I am committing loving other with action, not just empty words. There is no greater love than:
“a man lay his life down for his friends.” Jon 15:13
When I think about laying down my life, I think about not wasting the one God gave me. I can dedicate my years on earth to actively serve Him by laying down my desires for His needs to be filled in this world today. This is being a good steward of the life that He has given me.
“Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for being love. Without your love, the whole world would be gone in an instant, for we are not worthy of existence. Your mercy, patience and grace humble me. I want the power of you working through me. Activate the love that is in me to multiply times a million. Help me not give empty words of love, but a real love that is defined and recognized because action backs it up. Lord, help me to lay down my life for you everyday to show you the greatest love that exists… sacrificial love. I want to love with the greatest capacity possible and that cannot happen without your grace. My own sin has hardened my heart to love only the things that matter to me. This is not wisdom and this life of selfishness is not why you put me on the earth for this time. Show me how to love others as much as I love myself. Return to me the love I give to others in the currency of intimacy with you that is so deep that nothing could ever stop me from loving others the way you want me to.For your kingdom, in Jesus’ precious name, Amen.”