I was surprised—someone actually apologized for hitting me with the volleyball during our game at church.
To be honest, I witness rudeness, arrogance, and selfishness at church—and I’m not a great example of the opposite. I can be really rude, arrogant, and selfish at church. I think these attitudes and actions are becoming the norm, unfortunately.
Sorry if I sound like I’m ranting. (I realize that’s my custom.) I simply feel like the Church (sometimes) doesn’t love people well, which is a big deal. If the Church doesn’t love people well, the world won’t realize the Church is set apart.
Since you have purified your souls in obedience to the truth for a sincere love of the brothers and sisters, fervently love one another from the heart. (1 Peter 1:22 NASB)
Love—genuine, fervent, passionate love—is unique. It stands out. It makes a difference.
Both Christians and non-Christians notice this kind of love. When a Christian shows Christ’s love, it can encourage people who don’t follow Him and people who do follow Him. There’s something special—something noticeable—about this kind of love.
We’re called to show more than “subpar” love; we’re called to show fervent love because that’s the kind of love Christ has shown us.
You don’t have to feel wildly enthusiastic when you make the decision to love someone. For example, when you reach out to a lonely girl on the bus or mow your neighbor’s lawn while he’s sick or attend a basketball game for a younger kid at church to encourage him, you don’t need to want to do it; you just need to do it. If you wait until you feel ready and excited, you’ll never do anything (except try to please yourself).
Loving people can be really hard, but the world and the Church need to encounter Christ’s love through His followers. I encourage you to find a way to fervently love someone this week. You never know who you’ll inspire when you choose to love like Christ.
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