Love Is An Attitude

Have you ever met someone who believes in the right thing but uses their belief in an attitude of arrogance?

Have you ever acted in the correct manner for the wrong reasons?  

Honestly, I can say yes to both these situations and for me the last yes hurts the most.  I’ve definitely spread the gospel for no other reason than trying to impress someone I admired.  I’ve prayed for no other reason than because I know that’s what a “good” Christian does.

Scriptures

1 Corinthians 13:1-3 says this in the NIV: 

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.  

If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.  

If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Love is an Attitude

Love is more than what we believe.

Love is more than what we say.

Love is more than what we do. 

It’s not to say love is not what you say or believe or do.  Love absolutely can be each and every one of those things. 

The truth is, love is so much more!

Love is also an attitude.  

What you say has an attitude behind it. 

What you believe has a posture along with it. 

What you do has a reason behind each action you take. 

What we say, believe, and act out needs to have an aspect of humility, kindness, and selflessness.

Applications

Have you heard the saying: Humility isn’t thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less?

As someone who struggles often with insecurity, those words don’t ring in my ears often enough.  

Do we love people based on how they treat us or do we love people simply on the basis of who we are?  

Regardless of the external environment around us I pray we have the courage to keep the love inside us burning bright. 

With the Lord’s help, may no darkness ever be able to quench the light He has instilled in our spirits. 

With this in mind, what attitude will we choose today?

What posture will we present our words, thoughts, and actions with each day?

Will we take our selfish stance and only go as far as what benefits us, or will we go beyond our own good and give freely to those around us, asking nothing in return? 

This is the love Jesus offers.  He gave us salvation while we were still sinners(Romans 5:8).  Should not His children give good things well before anything is given in return.  Whether the seed lands on fertile soil or dry ground is not our business. Our business is to scatter the seed wherever we go.

Action Steps

Finish the sentences:

Today, in order to keep my attitude selfless I will…

I will keep my mind focused on serving others by…

When my thoughts, attitudes, and mindset is shaken from that of love I will remember to…

God bless you as you go about your day!