I saw a sign in front of a church that seems to me to be a great motto
for relationships: Receive love. Give love. Repeat.
The greatest love that we receive is the love of
God. He loved us so much that He gave His Son Jesus to live, die, and rise
again to redeem us (1 John 4:9). We receive His love when we receive Jesus
as our Savior and Lord. “As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to
become children of God, to those who believe in His name” (John 1:12).
After we’ve experienced God’s love, we then can learn to give love. “Let us
love one another, for love is of God” (1 John 4:7).
God’s love enables us to love our brothers and sisters in Christ. We teach,
encourage, and rebuke. We weep and rejoice. The love we give is tender and
tough and supportive. We are taught by Jesus even to love our enemies: “Do good
to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute
you” (Matt. 5:44). Giving love to others can be challenging in some situations,
but it’s possible because of the love God has first given to us.
A good plan for our lives today: Receive love. Give love. Repeat.
The greatest love that we receive is the love of God. (RBC)
