Spirit inspired love is not dependent on events, people or things. While our culture defines love as strong feelings, the Holy Spirit lads us to love that is deeper. God wants us to really love Him – through our choices, through our actions, through our thoughts and through our feelings – to such an extent that our love spills over to other people.

Let’s lean into love by choosing to love bigger and bolder than an earthly, superficial love.

Godly Love

I choose a love that cannot be defined by earthly words. My love is the ultimate love exemplified by God. God is Love. He transforms me so that my character is defined by love.

He who does not love does not know God; for God is love. 1 John 4:8 RSV

Selfless Love

I choose to love my Lord God beyond my human capabilities with a love that encompasses every ounce of my very being. When I concentrate on my love for Him, I will have the power to love others.

And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Matthew 22:37-39, RSV

Brotherly Love

I choose to love other disciples of Jesus. Building relationships with other Christians is important for the strength of my own faith. But I also want to be a bulwark of support for others. Together we can help each other love God in a world that wants to abandon Him. This is true Christian friendship.

By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:35, RSV

Responding Love

I choose to love because God loved me first. When I choose to reciprocate the love given to me, I allow God to love through me. He rewards my faith by giving me the power to love others. As I give more love, God empowers me to love more.

We love, because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19, RSV

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