By: Rev. David Buss, M.S., M.A.
(Oklahoma Christian Counseling – McAlester)
Valentine’s Day, the one day a year designated for each of us to express our love and appreciation towards those near and dear to our heart. Now, let’s take a moment and examine “love” as it relates to our relationship with Jesus, his ministry, and the love doctrine.
Romans 12:10, encourages us to be devoted to one another in love. Honoring one another above yourselves. What a commandment, sounds easy enough, right? However, today more than ever, lifes challenges seem to just multiply, leaving many of us struggling with a loss of employment, depression, financial burdens, grief, sickness, addiction and isolation, and for many of us, it leaves us feeling stranded on the road in our faith-walk.
But, when we feel stranded, remember each of us has been tasked with being the hands and feet of Christ. Especially during trials. So, what does being the hands and feet of Christ, really mean?
1 John 3:18, explains it best, let us not love with words or speech but with actions! What a terrific reminder for each of us to be kind, show love, and be Christ-like, even during challenging times, combating bitterness from entering into our hearts and being a stumbling block.
Furthermore, John 15:9, reminds us about unconditional love. Jesus instructed not just his disciples, but all mankind by saying, just as the Father has loved me, so I have loved you. Now remain in my love.
So, let’s take a moment and reflect on the words of John 15:9, the God who created the universe, personally loves you, not just people in general, you as a person, he cares about your life, the condition of your heart, and earnestly longs to be a part of it, loving you each and every day! So, how is that for a boost to keep us in the fight?
Now what do we do with our love assignment? We wake up each day, whatever that looks like to you. We go out and show our Christ-like love towards each other, even when struggles and challenges step in front of us, we love, we continue to pay that Christ-like love forward and when doubt steps in, remember the love lessons from the book of Psalms.
Psalm 51, love forgives…
Psalm 139, Love is Compassionate…
Psalm 18, Love is powerful…
Psalm 71, Love gives us hope…
Psalm 100, Love is steadfast…
Psalm 22, Love teaches trust…
Psalm 86, Love is patient…
Let’s pray…
May Jesus’ love for me be my greatest treasure. May his forgiveness inspire me to love those in my life more deeply, we pray that even our enemies come to know Jesus, because of my expressions of love for them through my faith. May the heavenly Father’s love bring me comfort, drawing each of us to his unconditional love, giving us strength and wisdom on our daily walk. May the Holy Spirit’s love strengthen my faith and equip me for battle each and everyday – Amen.
David holds 2 Master’s Degrees in Psychology and Leadership and is an ordained Minister. He is available for appointments as a Pastoral Counselor at the McAlester office.
