Love Like JesusSample

Living Out Love in Everyday Life

Colossians 3:14, "And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."

Colossians 3:14 calls us to prioritize love as the foremost virtue in our lives, which holds all other virtues together. On this final day of our devotional, let's contemplate how to actively live out this call to love in our everyday lives.

Putting on love, as described in Colossians, means making love a daily choice, a conscious decision we make in every interaction and situation. It's about letting love guide our thoughts, words, and actions. This kind of love is not just an emotion; it is an action, and a way of being that reflects the heart of God.

Living out love means seeing each day as an opportunity to express God's love to those around us. It could be through small acts of kindness, encouragement, or simply being present for someone in need. It's about making the most of every chance to show compassion, patience, and understanding.

This everyday love is also about forgiveness and grace. It involves letting go of grudges, offering forgiveness to those who have wronged us, and seeking reconciliation. By doing so, we free others and ourselves from the burden of bitterness and resentment.

As men of faith, embodying this love is a powerful witness to our belief in Christ. It's a way of showing the world what Christianity is truly about – not just a set of doctrines but a living, breathing example of God's love.

Moreover, living out love in everyday life requires intentionality and discipline. It means setting aside our natural tendencies towards self-centeredness and putting others first. It's a commitment to being mindful of how our actions and words affect those around us and striving to be a source of positivity and light.

This kind of love also has a unifying effect. As Colossians 3:14 suggests, love binds everything together in perfect harmony. Our love can force unity and peace in an often divided and contentious world. It can bridge gaps, heal wounds, and create community and belonging.

However, consistently living out this love has its challenges. It requires perseverance, especially when our efforts seem unnoticed or unappreciated. It calls for us to be steadfast in our commitment to love, even when difficult.

In embracing this call to love, we also draw closer to God. We become more attuned to His voice and His leadership in our lives. Our acts of love become worship, aligning our hearts with His and allowing His love to flow through us.

As we conclude this devotional series, let's commit to putting on love every day. Let it be the garment we wear, the lens through which we view the world, and the guiding principle in all we do.

Reflective Questions:

• What are some practical ways you can 'put on love' in your daily interactions?
• How can living out love daily strengthen your relationship with God and others?

Challenge:

Set a goal to perform at least one deliberate act of love each day for the next week. Journal these acts and reflect on how they impacted you and the recipients.