The Love Factor

Since February is the “love month” let’s take time to examine this important subject and determine what kind of a love factor we have.  Many people think of love in terms of cozy affection or passionate devotion – what we might call “warm fuzzy feelings.”  However, when the Bible speaks about Christian love it speaks of a determined and active interest in the true welfare of others.  Love is not a feeling; love is an action word.  Christian love – the kind of love that should characterize the actions of those who name the Name of Christ – is a special kind of love.  It emanates from the love that God has for all people.  Christian love acts in godly ways.  Jesus said, “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). 

The action this kind of love takes is described in these words: “Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails” (I Corinthians 13:4-8).

A person who has this kind of love will not pass by someone in need but will reach out to help meet that need.  Examples of love-motivated action include such things as sharing a word of encouragement with someone, spending time listening to someone over a cup of coffee, provision of needed finances for those who are hurting, helping someone get to a doctor appointment, helping a neighbor with yard work, or helping an elderly person move down the hallway.  Whatever God prompts a Christian to do, love will help them respond willing, cheerfully and with great care.  When true love is the motive, the action is not carried out because of a duty to perform.  Duty is quick to obey rules; love seizes the opportunities.  Duty acts under certain limits; love is spontaneous and gracious.  Duty desires recognition or reward; love does not expect anything in return.  As you examine your life, what would you say is your love factor?  Make sure your love factor is high and measures up to God’s standard.

First of All

If you are like most people you probably have several errands that you need to run or some things that you need to purchase.  In order not to forget, some people make a list of the items they need to purchase and identify the errands that need to be run.  If a list has been made the most important item will usually be located on the top of the list.  The Apostle Paul did something similar when he wrote to his friend Timothy.  He said, “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (I Timothy 2:1-2).  Notice several things from this verse:

(1) Prayer is of utmost importance.  It is on the top of the list being prefaced by the words “first of all.”

(2) Prayer is expressed in several ways.  These ways include both personal and corporate expression to God using the words – “requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving.”

(3) Prayer is inclusive.  As noted by the words “for everyone” our prayers should be expressed to God for all people including political officials.

(4) Prayer is personal.  It should impact our personal lives and draw us closer to Christ – “that we may live.”  

What this verse suggests to me is that amid the busyness we experience every day, prayer needs to be a vital part of our lives.  We need to pray for everyone we can think of – people in our family, the people with whom we work, neighbors and friends.  And do not forget prayer for schoolteachers, pastors, law enforcement officers, and political leaders.  Maybe you need to pray specifically for someone whom you know that needs to begin a personal relationship with the Lord this year.  Has someone offended you or hurt you?  Pray for them.  Has something not gone the way you expected it to go?  Pray about it.  Have you been discouraged?  Take that to the Lord in prayer.  In every situation remember to “first of all” pray.