What Does Love Look Like?

Paul wrote this in his second letter to Timothy:

“This is a trustworthy saying: If we die with him (Jesus), we will also live with him.” (2 Timothy 2:11)

And to the Galatians:

“My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)

As followers of Jesus, the Bible tells us we have died with Christ. This is what theologians call a positional truth. Faith in Jesus causes a spiritual rebirth and a death to self. This rebirth is the seedbed of a new way of living. It becomes a new way of loving God and others as we love ourselves.

If love is not expressed in our lives through acts reflecting that we have died with Christ, we need to ask, “Is our faith valid?”

A valid faith in God trusts that He takes care of our needs, which in turn gives us the opportunity to take care of another’s needs.

February is traditionally the month we celebrate love. However, we need to understand what love looks like in order to celebrate it meaningfully.

Here's what love can look like in a marriage:

· Getting up with the baby when every bone in your body wants to continue sleeping.

· Giving the last slice of your spouse’s favorite pie to them.

· Forgive the hurt you experienced when regretful words were used.

· Watching the game with your spouse when you'd prefer almost anything else.

What is this? This is simply living the crucified life in real time.

If Christianity is new to you, you may read this and think, “What a horrible way to live.” I get it. On the surface, the idea of living a crucified life seems foolish, even masochistic. However, here lies the sublime nature of Christianity: the truest joys are experienced through unselfish acts of love. This is what love looks like.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Blessings, 

Pastor Eric, Marriage & Family Pastor

erics@worshipcenter.org.