As Christians, we believe in the power of love.
We know that love is the foundation of our relationship with God and that it is our responsibility to spread love and kindness in the world.
But what exactly does God say about choosing love?
Let’s explore some of the key teachings and messages from the Bible about choosing love, and how these teachings can help us to become better people and followers of Christ.
Love your neighbor
One of the most well-known teachings from the Bible about choosing love is to love your neighbor as yourself.
Jesus taught that this was one of the most important commandments and that we should treat others as we would like to be treated.
But who is our neighbor? In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus teaches that our neighbor is anyone who is in need and that we should show mercy and kindness to all.
Choose love over resentment
Another important teaching about choosing love is to let go of resentment and choose forgiveness.
In Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus teaches that if we do not forgive others, then we cannot be forgiven by God.
This does not mean that forgiving others is easy, but choosing love over resentment can help us to heal and move forward in our relationships with others and with God.
Love your enemies
Loving our enemies is one of the most challenging teachings from the Bible about choosing love.
In Matthew 5:43-44, Jesus teaches that we should love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us.
This may seem impossible, but choosing love over hate can have a transformative effect on both ourselves and others.
Love never fails
The Bible tells us that love is patient, kind, not self-seeking, and never fails (1 Corinthians 13:4-8).
Choosing love means putting others before ourselves, being patient and kind, and having faith that love can conquer all.
When we choose love, we are choosing to follow in the footsteps of Christ and live out His teachings in our daily lives.
Love is central to our faith
Ultimately, choosing love is central to our faith as Christians.
The Bible tells us that God is love (1 John 4:8) and that we are called to love one another as Christ loved us (John 13:34-35).
Choosing love means living in a way that reflects the love of God, and striving to create a world in which all people are treated with kindness, respect, and compassion.
Love brings unity
In John 17, Jesus prays for his disciples and all believers to be one, just as he and the Father are one.
He desires for us to be in unity with one another, and love is the way to achieve this.
When we choose to love, we are choosing to put aside our differences and focus on what unites us.
We are choosing to build each other up and encourage one another.
This kind of love brings a sense of community and belonging, and it is a powerful witness to the world around us.
Love overcomes fear
In 1 John 4:18, we read that perfect love drives out fear.
When we choose love, we are choosing to trust in God’s provision and care for us.
We are choosing to face our fears and overcome them with faith.
This kind of love gives us the courage to step out in faith and pursue God’s calling for our lives, even when it may seem scary or uncertain.
Love gives us hope and peace, and it is a light in the darkness.
Love is a choice
In Deuteronomy 30:19-20, Moses tells the Israelites that they have a choice to make: to choose life or death, blessings or curses.
Love is also a choice that we must make every day.
We must choose to love our enemies, forgive those who hurt us, and serve those who are in need.
This kind of love requires us to lay down our pride and surrender our will to God.
It is not always easy, but it is always worth it.
Choosing love is not always easy, but it is always worth it.
When we choose to love, we are following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, who loved us enough to give his life for us.
We are showing the world what it means to be a follower of Christ and living out the greatest commandment.
Let us choose love in all of our relationships, and trust that God’s love will never fail us.
