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.
Receive love. Give love. Repeat. (RBC)
