Wake Up to Love

Faith isn’t just something we believe; it’s something we live out. And the clearest expression of faith in action is love. The Bible makes it clear: We can have all knowledge, all faith, even the ability to move mountains, but if we don’t have love, we gain nothing.

Love isn’t just an emotion; it’s action. It’s patience when you’d rather rush, kindness when it costs you, humility when you’re tempted to boast. Love doesn’t keep score when you’ve been wronged. It perseveres when giving up feels easier.

A simple way to test yourself is to personalize this picture. Insert your name in place of the word love: Am I patient? Am I kind? Do I let go of offense, or do I keep a record of wrongs? Do I seek what’s best for others, or do I put myself first? Am I easily angered? It doesn’t take long before you feel the tension, does it?

But the point of this test isn’t shame—it’s awakening. It reveals where our trust in God needs to deepen so His love can flow more freely through us. Real love doesn’t depend on the worthiness of the person receiving it but on the character of the one who loves. That’s why Jesus’ love never fails: It flows from His perfect nature.

We are called to reflect that same unfailing love. There will be moments when our patience runs thin, when kindness feels like a burden, or when forgiveness seems impossible. In those moments, our love must be rooted in God’s love—a love that empowers us to rise above our limitations.

Love is not optional for believers. It is the evidence of faith, the fruit that shows we’re truly walking with Christ. When people encounter us, they should encounter the love of God at work in us.

Reflect: When people encounter you, do they experience love that flows from your trust in God?