A smile is a sign of friendship and acceptance. A laugh is a sign of happiness. A handshake is a sign of sincerity and appreciation. A hug is a sign of deep affection. Love is more than a smile, a laugh, a handshake or a hug – all of these are actions which open the door of the heart of others to enable us to express the three most important words in the world: “I love you.”
However, saying “I love you” must be more than merely speaking the words; love must be confirmed in both word and deed. Genuine love flows out of a heart with actions which prove and confirm one’s love is priceless, not conditional.
Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. John 15:13
And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. Matthew 23:10-12
What does a servant expect in return for his labor? Answer: nothing. He is a slave and has no rights. Our heart should be a servant’s heart filled with the love of God as we love humanity, the creation of Almighty God. We should love without reservation and unconditionally everyone we come in contact during our journey on this planet.
Do I love others without reservation? I must confess: I don’t. However, I am praying for God to give me a servant’s heart.
For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. I Corinthians 13:12-13
Agape love is clothed with grace, mercy, humility, compassion and gratitude and is not a random act of kindness; rather, it is expressed by dying to self that others might live. Genuine love is action, whether in word or deed, freely given as a precious gift with no expectation of ever receiving a reward or even a simple “thank you.” Genuine love is the greatest of all gifts and is priceless and eternal. Jesus is the foundation of genuine love and the pattern we are to exemplify in our daily walk with Him.
