What are you known for? And what does it actually mean to love?

“I always thank my God, remembering you in my prayers, because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. I pray that your partnership in the faith may become effective as you fully acknowledge every good thing that is ours in Christ. I take great joy and encouragement in your love, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.”

Philemon 1:4–7  (BSB)

Have you ever stopped to ponder the meaning of love? In today’s world, the phrase “I love you” is so quickly and easily thrown around, especially in the church: love and blessings, brother. But what does it really mean to love? It is a word that implies action. The Bible shows that love is linked to action, for God so loved the world that He gave.

The love that flows from the Lord into us as His children is not a love the world recognises. It is something far superior. That is why we will be known by our love (John 13:34–35). This is also why doing things without love is pointless (1 Corinthians 13:1–3).

Love, and the self-sacrificial love of God flowing through us, is essential.

Agape. I am sure you have all heard many sermons about this. So why do we not walk it out? Why are you not seeing it in your own life?

Stop and reflect. Wrestle with what the Bible says. Try to grasp what true Biblical love is and how it should, could, and did in the early Church, look in your life and within the part of the Body of Christ you belong to. Ask the Spirit why you are not walking in it. Then ask the Spirit for the ability to begin doing so.

Real Biblical love goes beyond words. It manifests through action. Just as true faith gives rise to works that demonstrate faith.