I CHOOSE LOVE
The great issue in the Christian life is not merely what we know, what position we hold, or even what work we perform. The deepest question is whether the life of Christ is finding expression in us.
God is not primarily occupied with making us religious people. He is occupied with conforming us to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29). The nature of that Son is love.
Therefore, every circumstance, every relationship, every disappointment, and every victory becomes an opportunity for one simple decision: I choose love.
Love is not weakness. It is the strongest thing in the universe because it is the very nature of God Himself (1 John 4:8).
The cross reveals that divine love is willing to suffer rather than retaliate, to forgive rather than condemn, and to give rather than demand. When Christ hung upon the cross, He unveiled the heart of God toward a rebellious world (Romans 5:8).
The believer who walks in fellowship with Christ will continually be brought to places where natural strength fails and only love can prevail.
Many of the Lord’s dealings with us are intended to expose what is not love. We discover impatience where we thought there was maturity. We find pride where we imagined humility. We uncover self-interest beneath acts that appeared spiritual.
Yet these discoveries are not meant to discourage us. They are invitations to deeper union with Christ. The Holy Spirit patiently works within us until the love of Christ becomes more than a doctrine we admire. It becomes a life we live (Galatians 2:20; Philippians 2:5).
To choose love is often to choose a hidden path. It may mean refusing to answer a harsh word. It may mean bearing with a difficult brother. It may mean praying for those who misunderstand us.
The flesh always seeks its own vindication, but the Spirit points us to the Lamb who opened not His mouth and entrusted Himself to the Father (1 Peter 2:23).
Every day presents opportunities to choose self or to choose Christ. To choose Christ is to choose love.
The testimony of Jesus is never preserved by argument alone. The world may be impressed by ability, organization, and knowledge, but it is transformed by the manifestation of Christ’s love.
The early believers turned the world upside down not merely because they possessed truth, but because the life of the risen Lord was evident among them (John 13:35; Acts 4:13). Love remains the clearest evidence that Christ lives within His people.
Today, whatever confronts you, make this your quiet declaration before the Lord:
I choose love.
Not because it is easy.
Not because others deserve it.
Not because it gains earthly advantage.
I choose love because Christ chose me.
I choose love because His life is being formed within me.
I choose love because one day the work God has begun will be completed, and I shall be like Him (1 John 3:2).
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Father, form Your Son more fully within me. Deliver me from selfishness, pride, and resentment. Teach me to walk in the love that was displayed at Calvary and poured into my heart by Your Spirit. May the life of Christ be seen in my words, my attitudes, and my actions. Today, by Your grace, I choose love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
BDD
