Love.

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If you had to sum up the Bible in one word, “love” is a top contender. Depending on the translation, the word love in its various forms appears well over 500 times in the Bible. Love is a central theme of Christianity. Love is the core of God's character (1 John 4:8). Love is what God commands of us (John 15:17). Love is the power source which connects us through Christ Jesus (1 John 4:9). Love is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22). Love never fails (1 Cor. 13:8). Of faith, hope, and love, the greatest is love (1 Cor. 13:13).

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Love.

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Love isn't just a word. Love is a calling, a lifestyle, a choice. When Jesus asks, “do you love me,” how would you reply?

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Before you answer, think. It helps to know what you're replying to. What is love?

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“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres” (1 Cor. 13:4-7).

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Since this is what love is, can any of us perfectly love? It seems impossible, but before we get discouraged, perhaps perfect love is supposed to be a journey, not a fulfillment – at least, not yet.  

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As we celebrate Labor Day, we mark the end of summer, a return to routine. Vacations are over, kids are in school, work and worship schedules are once again in place. As routine as life can be, your pursuit of perfect love can be anything but. If you can't be perfect in love, there is one who is: Jesus.

As you pursue perfect love, invite Jesus along on your journey. Pray to Him for guidance, teaching, and application. Read His Word for examples of His perfect love for us (John 15:13 for one). Memorize 1 Cor. 13:4-7 so, like Jesus in the desert (Matt. 4), you wield the sword of the Spirit (Eph. 6:17). Reflect His love upon others in your day-to-day routine. Let His love guide you as you grow closer to who He called you to be. Be encouraged by His love. Be joyful that someday our Lord will come again, and when He does, there will be no need for faith or hope; all that remains then is love. Someday we will be powered by perfect love and live harmoniously with Him and each other. Let that truth nourish you through your day, for that day is coming.

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Jesus is asking, “Do you love me?”

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How do you answer? ‍

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“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 8:38-39). ‍

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“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength” (Deut. 6:5). ‍

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“Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever” (Ps. 136:26).

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Amen, come Lord Jesus.