Love, Reloaded!

Love, Reloaded!

Above all, have fervent and unfailing love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins [it overlooks unkindness and unselfishly seeks the best for others]. 1 PETER 4:8 AMP

The end of all things is near. Peter exhorts the believers of his day to be careful in the things they do, and to exercise restraint in whatever they do. There is however a supreme character trait which sits at the head of all that I must have, and that is love. When you read God's Word, you find it hard to specifically determine if love is not an action, a character trait and a person rolled up into one. The Bible records in some instances that God is love, and in some other instances, God's Word also enjoins us to love other people, whilst also in some instances, it charges us to allow love dwell in us. What do all of these things mean?

Love is the supreme attribute. It is the one definition of God that runs through the entire Scriptures. It cannot be faked or forced; if what you have is not love as defined by God, then you may define whatever you have in whatever way. Love is fervent and unfailing, because it is not subject to the inconsistent emotions of the natural man. It does not have highs and lows, because its origin is not the mortal, limited edition that is human nature.

If I am unable to let go of faults, then maybe I need to examine again what I claim to have. If I have to keep reminding others how much they have hurt me in the past, then maybe I do not yet have the genuine article. If all I can do is insist on my own way, to the detriment of other people, then maybe I still have much to learn. If I can only see faults and errors, then maybe I need a new perspective. If I only see the worst in people, then maybe my view is only a reflection of who I am. Fortunately, grace is available for me, if I submit to God and allow Him work in and through me.

It is important to critically review my life in the light of God's Word. Who am I? What am I holding on to? Can what is my heart be likened to love? If it is not, it is not too late to get the real deal. God's Love is the kind that never lets go, and He will keep holding out His hands, waiting for me to allow Him work in me that which is perfect. Only in and through Him can my life really flow out in love to other people. His time of favour is here.