I’ve heard it said that “love” is a verb. It is an action you take towards someone, not just a word to describe your feelings or define a relationship. So exactly how do we “love” someone?
Fortunately, the Bible gives us some clear instructions on exactly what love looks like. And it can be applied to all of our relationships… marriage, parenting, friendships, business relationships, etc.
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NLT)
If you are loving someone, you will be patient and kind with them. You will care enough about them to see things from their perspective. Your kind heart will make them feel safe with you.
If you are loving someone, you’re not comparing them to others. You’re accepting them for who they are and they feel comfortable being themselves with you. They are at ease with you.
If you are loving someone, you are not strutting your stuff around them, somehow trying to prove that you’re better or more important than they are. This kind of humility would make the mail clerk comfortable having coffee with the CEO.
If you’re loving someone, you’re joyful and you’re joy is contagious. You’re not easily angered or irritable. You’re not a “grumpy Gus” that puts everyone on edge when you walk in the room.
If you’re loving someone, you’re not keeping a record of the times they’ve messed up. You’re not caught in a game of “get even” or “I’ll show you”. You’re not keeping them under your thumb with constant reminders of their mistakes.
If you’re loving someone, you’re not reveling at their groveling. You’ve not built yourself a throne to keep them at your feet.
If you’re loving someone, you’re trusting them. You see the best in them. They know that you have faith in them and that encourages them to be the best they can be.
And if you’re loving someone, you’re doing it through every circumstance. They may fail. They may fall short. But so will you – and real love perseveres.