Expressions of Love

In John 13:34-35 Jesus said, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
Love is so central to the Christian story and message, and when one comes to faith in Christ this love begins to dominate the life. It begins to be worked out in a myriad of ways. Jesus says this is the way others will know we are followers of Christ. This is the central mark. Perhaps we should make it our life project to see how many ways we can demonstrate that love.
This love can take on so many forms. In our reading we saw the following:
1. In Exodus 34 we saw God giving Israel a second chance - a second set of stone tablets, a re-establishment of the covenant. God was extending forgiveness, grace and mercy and showing Himself to be "The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness,..." When we show mercy and grace, even giving others a second chance we demonstrate this Godlike love.
2. In Exodus 34 we also saw the intercession of Moses. He pled for the people that God would forgive them, pardon their iniquities and not abandon them , but rather "go in the midst of them". How loving are the fervent intercessions of God's servants for His people! As you find yourself pleading with God for the souls of others, know that you are demonstrating Christ's love who is our intecessor.
3. In John 13 we saw Jesus taking on the form of a servant and washing the feet of the disciples. Whenever we take the lowest place and serve others we are expressing a Christ-like love.
4. In Ephesians 3 Paul tells the readers (vs. 13) not to lose heart over what he is suffering for them. He tells them that he had received a stewardship of grace on their behalf and that he was only living out the loving purposes of that grace even though it had brought him suffering. Whenever we are willing to suffer so that others may flourish we do reflect, though dimly, the love of our Savior.
5. Even Proverbs offers ways of demonstrating the love of Christ, many of which have to do with the tongue. By keeping quiet and speaking fewer words we can lovingly cover the offenses of others. By extending words of encouragement we can breathe into others loving words of life. The tongue is a powerful tool for good and for evil. As Christians we must dedicate each day to the purposes of God's love.
Oh how deep and rich is the love of God. Let us dwell on it daily, drink it in, and then purpose to pour it out in as many ways as the Lord makes possible!