Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. 1 John 3:18
Talking about, reading about, and thinking about love never gets old. Love is something we all yearn for. Why? I believe it is because you and I were created out of love and for love (1 John 4:7). I realize love can seem complex and confusing at times, but the love we were created for is quite simple. We love because He first loved us (1 John 4:19).
We just finished Victory Week where our theme was “Love.” Last week’s blog encouraged us to return to our first love by reminding us of how holy, just, and complete God’s love is for us! At the end of the blog, I asked you to pray a prayer with me. Just in case you didn’t see it, here it is again. Please read through it carefully, paying close attention to the last sentence.
Dearest Heavenly Father,
I know you love me, Lord. Help me to embrace your love, cherish your love, and accept your love. You don’t love me because of what I do or who I am. You love me because of who you are. I am grateful your love is holy, just, and complete. Forgive me Lord for losing sight of my first love. Your love is all I need. Thank you for flooding my heart with your love through the Holy Spirit. May my words and deeds be a reflection of my love for you. I love you, Lord!
In Jesus name,
Amen.
The amazing love God has showered upon us is meant to be shared. Notice what Jesus said when He was asked, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”
Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” Mark 12: 29-31
Loving God is an all-out mind and body experience. This authentic love lays the foundation for everything else in our lives. Jesus wants us to demonstrate our love for God through everything we think, say, and do! This leads to the equally important command: Love your neighbor as yourself. Did you catch that phrase “equally important?” These two commands are intertwined. We can’t claim to love God and not love people. Love isn’t all talk. Love isn’t solely an emotion. Love is a choice. Love is about action.
Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. 1 John 3:18
As Christian educators, we have opportunities to put God’s love into action every single day. Being an educator is not just a job; it is a chance to demonstrate God’s love to others. This may feel a bit overwhelming because the needs around us are so great. I get it. Sometimes we feel tapped out. I can remember being so exhausted at times that all I wanted to do was go home and collapse on the couch. Of course, that wasn’t possible given my motherly duties! It was all I could do to love my family let alone love others by adding one more thing to my plate. If you feel that way, it’s okay. However, keep in mind that there are many ways to love others starting with what Paul told us about love.
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
This type of love is selfless and seeks to serve others, something educators know how to do well! When Christ rules our hearts, this type of love is who we are (Romans 5:5). Apart from Him, we are not capable of love in action! With God’s love, however, we love even if it’s inconvenient. We love when we see a need. We love when He gives us a nudge.
Love in action has perhaps never been more important than it is today. People all around us are hurting. They need to know there is hope. We can never underestimate how love in action can impact someone’s life. What is God’s love compelling you to do today? What needs has God placed in front of you? Here are just a few possibilities to consider.
Offer to pray for a colleague in need or simply give them a “thinking of you” card. Sending handwritten notes or cards conveys I see you and I care.
Take a care package to a student’s family who is in need (Deuteronomy 26:13). God desires that His people step up with love in action by seeking justice and caring for those who are the most vulnerable in society.
Spend extra time after school with a student who is struggling emotionally or who simply needs encouragement.
Get to know your colleagues. Slow down, take time to pause, and ask questions. Get to know them on more than a professional level.
Show kindness when you would be justified in doing just the opposite.
The distinguishing mark of Jesus’ followers is how love influences our daily actions.
How we work alongside coworkers
How we solve problems
How we speak to colleagues and children
How we work out problems with parents
How we respond to our supervisors
Jesus’ followers live differently, demonstrating love consistently toward others. How do people see Jesus? They see Him through our love in action.
“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:34-35
When we put our love into action, we are not only being obedient but also strengthening our love relationship with Christ. The Bible tells us whoever abides (remains) in love abides in God and God abides in him (1 John 4:14-16). Tony Evans says it this way.
Remember to “remain” is to “hang out”. Hang out with love – seek out opportunities to express God’s definition of love and God will hang out with you. Living in the atmosphere of love means you are living in the atmosphere of God. (1)
What a privilege it is to demonstrate God’s love through action!
I am super excited for you to join us in putting love into action! Victorious Educator Ministries is starting a Love in Action campaign NEXT WEEK! If God directs, this may be the first of many Love in Action campaigns! Won’t you consider participating?
I have posted a short video below and on our social media sites describing the campaign and how you can participate. Please click on this link to watch the video.
We have an opportunity to demonstrate love to those educators and school employees who lost their homes in the Kentucky tornado. We get to put our love into action! Whether you choose to participate or not, prayerfully consider the needs God has placed before you. How can you put your love into action this week? Take a small step and ask God to love through you!
Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. 1 John 3:18
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