No matter what we do, we are admonished to do it all in love. It is unfortunate that the “love” message has gotten so watered down by our current culture. That’s so simplistic, we might think. It’s so 60’s. It’s so “new age.” We miss the power.
I Corinthians 16:13-14
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.
The more I study, the more sure I am that love is the bottom line. If there was love in our words and actions, so much would come out differently.
Intending to love and actually loving are different. The first one doesn’t really count.
I keep reminding myself that love is about “other.” Love is not just a soft feeling. As the saying goes, “love is a verb.” It might only take a moment to ask myself the question, how are my words and actions speaking and demonstrating love? Is it in my voice quality? Is it in my facial expression. Is it in my touch? Is in my choice of words? Is it in my heart?
Is love in my work?
In verse 16:13, Paul has a string of encouragements about strength and courage. Isn’t it interesting that these would be partnered with doing everything in love? Apparently, these qualities are part of the love quotient.
To love in the face of “no love” is far more difficult than any other human act.
Will I stand for love today? Will I be strong? Will I have courage to love? And harder still, can I love without payback? Like everyone else, I want to be loved too. I want to be cared for and appreciated and nurtured. I want to be complimented and admired. I want to be known.
But we’re back to paradox. I’m sure of it. To be loved, I must love…. in everything. So simple.
Meditations from Zion 
Thanks for the timely reminder, Irm. A well spoken encouragement!
Thank you so much for you post, it was greatly appreciated. I have a blog with much the same interest–www.doeverythinginlove.com , and I’d appreciate you visit if you have opportunity.