Real Love

By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. 1 John 3:16

What does real love look like? How do we explain it? How do we express it?

I found the following story on Nestle’s website:

On 14 February 1984, 18-year-old Richard Brooks braved heavy snow and freezing temperatures to deliver a Valentine’s gift to his sweetheart Lynne. Alongside a card and a bouquet of flowers, Richard left his last Rolo, delicately wrapped on Lynne’s doorstep as a sign of his love for her.

It’s a lovely story, and on 14 February 2017, when the article was written, Richard and Lynne were celebrating their 30^th wedding anniversary – still very much in love. Back on that first valentine’s day, Richard looked for a way to express his love. Nestle told him what love looked like.

When we look at the world around us, we see a diluted form of love; a love that has been watered down to quick-fire sentiments, advertising slogans, and cuddly toys, etc. People show their love by sending ‘good vibes’ and ‘positive thoughts’ your way, along with the obligatory heart emoji. Even ‘thoughts and prayers x’ has become (for some) a by-line of love.

Jesus did so much more than simply telling us what love looks like – He showed us – not only through His conversations and actions towards others, but ultimately and powerfully through His death for us all. Christ displayed sacrificial love, so in order to love like Christ, we must love in a tangible way.

Love is not simply feeling compassionate, but acting upon it. Love steps toward the need. Love is willing to be inconvenienced, to give time, comfort, practical help. Just as our faith is not meant to be concealed, neither is our love. It should not be hidden away, it should not be hesitant, and it should not be selective. When we love in deed and truth, we are letting the light of Christ shine through us – clearly and unmistakably.

So, what does real love look like? It’s a love that looks like Jesus.