Love is a Verb

We are saved by faith alone. That’s it. No additions. It is not by anything we’ve earned but simply but putting our faith in Jesus that we receive his incredible gift of eternal life.

However, that isn’t the end of the story. As Philippians 3 says, this life is a race, one that isn’t finished the moment we give our lives to Jesus. Faith in Jesus involves a lifelong commitment of sacrifice – sacrifice of our will to his, laying down our plans for his, trading our desires for his.

Faith without good works is dead (James 2). We are not saved by our good deeds, but rather they are evidence of it. If we are followers of Jesus, that means loving God with everything we have and loving our neighbours as ourself (Matthew 22).

Love is a verb. It’s an action.

It involves picking up our cross daily (Luke 9:23). It takes sacrifice, obedience, hard work, determination. It’s not easy. But it’s worth it.

As we lay our life down before Jesus each day, over and again, we are allowing him to transform us ever more into his likeness. We are becoming each day a little more like him.

Loving
Joyful
Peaceful
Patient
Kind
Good
Faithful
Gentle
Disciplined

These are the fruit of the Holy Spirit within us (Galatians 5:22-23). It is by these fruit that we bring great glory to God the Father – the purpose for which we were created.

Photo by Rayia Soderberg on Unsplash