Love is such a powerful ‘thing’. Am not sure if I could describe love as a virtue, trait or a character but I believe it will depend on the context. The Bible offers a profound insight into love, portraying it as kind, patient, humble, and devoid of envy or judgment. Love is esteemed as the greatest among faith and hope, with God Himself epitomizing love. Thus, seeking love equates to seeking God, as they are inseparable. Despite the fact that without faith one cannot please God yet God’s word says love is the greatest and I so much agree. God is Love, God is the Greatest. So, if He says Love is the Greatest, He speaks of Himself. Which means when we seek and desire love (agape), we’ll be desiring God Himself as I mentioned. Thus, one can’t claim to have love and not know how to express faith. It is however possible to have faith and not know how to show love but that wouldn’t be faith according to the scriptures. One can’t hope for something and not have love. Love, which is God is what will lead us in faith and hope.
The concept of love intertwines with faith and hope, each enhancing the other. While faith and hope are essential, love serves as their catalyst, guiding them towards fruition. The biblical narrative in Luke 7:47 strikes me a lot, it illustrates how love manifests through humility and sacrifice, leading to forgiveness and total transformation. This transformative power of love ignites faith and kindles hope, nurturing a journey towards purity and redemption of the woman described a sinner in the scripture above. The faith-filled that cleansed her sins one time, it was a Love driven faith and love accompanied hope. She felt it – for she loved much. It was in this love that her faith came more alive and hope of being pure. Thus, love grows faith and builds hope, we just need to go after love and the rest will follow. Jesus categorically states that; the one who loves little will get little forgiveness. Love is that powerful. Genuine love for God and of God is through a lifestyle of worship that in turn cleanses us from our sins daily. Jesus loved much and still loves much. One may ask, how do I love much? I believe you first have to be honest to yourself through self-awareness of your flaws then you can come before God in humility and a contrite heart. It just takes so much love to come that far. It applies to relationships too.
In a nutshell, to love much entails self-awareness and honesty, acknowledging one’s flaws and imperfections. It requires humility and contrition before God, allowing His love to cleanse and renew us. Love, exemplified by Jesus’ sacrificial love, holds the capacity to forgive abundantly and transform lives. In relationships, too, genuine love thrives on humility, selflessness, and a commitment to develop and uplift one another. Furthermore, love extends beyond personal relationships to encompass a lifestyle of worship and devotion. It involves seeking God’s presence and guidance daily, aligning one’s actions and attitudes with His loving nature. Through this intimate relationship with God, love becomes not just an emotion, but a way of life.
Ultimately, embracing love in its fullest expression to a life of spiritual growth, reconciliation, and fulfillment. It nurtures unity and compassion, transcending beyond indifference. As individuals experience and share God’s love, they become beacons of hope and mediators of positive change in a world with often marred individuals wounded by distress and betrayals. Loving much, therefore, becomes not only a personal endeavor but a transformative force that shapes communities and impacts the world profoundly around us.