Read with me, “ But the goal of our instruction is love [which springs] from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” 1 Timothy 1:5

What does 1 Timothy 1:5 mean for us today? This scripture has such an efficient way of bringing to our attention the ever present need for the love of God to be at the centre of all we do, everyday. Our goal, our aim, is to love. Let all we do be done in love, void of manipulation and agendas. This means we listen to, we wait for, we pray for, we trust, we believe another. Love like this expects no return. We all know the famous Bible passage that speaks of love,1 Corinthians 13. Say it with me, ” Love is patient, Love is kind, does not envy, is not boastful or proud.” Imagine being loved like this. Now, imagine loving someone else in such a way that you cannot be boastful, proud, envious, unkind, or impatient with them. Imagine the God of love himself urging us to love with patience and kindness, as HE does. This is the kind of love that ushers in peace and hope. 1 Corinthians 13 also says, if I do not love I AM nothing. Doing life without love in your heart renders you void of purpose. If we are not busy loving, what are we being? The greatest faith, most beautiful tongues, accurate prophecies cannot add the significance to your life that love can. In love alone our lives find meaning. In loving others we add value to our own callings. Not money, not miracles, not ministry, but doing those things in love. The aim of every instruction is love. The purpose of God’s sending is love. The purpose of Jesus’ coming is love. Love never fails, it does not run out, it is not found wanting, because there is no fear in love. Love is redemptive. When we love someone else with perfect love, we drive out their fears, we help them become free, and empower them to live in the redemptive love of God. According to Jesus, the greatest commandment is to love the Lord, and the second is to love your neighbour. It all comes down to loving God and people.

Read also,”Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.” 1 John 4:7

Loving others comes naturally to those who know God, because He is love. The more we desire to know Him and become acquainted with who He is, the better we will love. Loving people is so important, loving them well is a testimony to our faith in God. When we love our lives testify that we know Him. Our entire lives should be aimed at loving God and people. It is the foundational element of being reborn and living in Him.

Pray with me, “God, thank you for loving me well. Thank you God, for your love that has been shed abroad in our hearts. Help me to see as You do, help me to love as You do. God I long to love as perfectly as You do, with patience and kindness and gentleness. Help me to pursue every opportunity to be love to those around me. Reveal to me areas where I have pursued my own agendas. Forgive me where I have not loved well.”