Be Good at Love

What are you good at? What skills and giftings do you have? I know some people who are so good at leading others. I know some amazing singers, and others who are skilled with instruments. I have friends who are incredible entertainers, and others who are so good with words. But, what are you good at? Are you a great parent? A loving spouse? An artist? Perhaps you are the next Richard Feynman of your passion. Maybe you don’t feel like you have many skills at all.

In the Bible we are told Christians are all diverse, each having different skills, and gifts that are given by God. In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul relates people with different spiritual gifts to a body with many different parts, each doing their important part.

But it’s not enough.

Paul goes on to say that regardless show gifted you are, if you don’t have love, then you are wasting your time. That’s a pretty big statement. He says “If I speak the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.” (1 Cor 13:1-3)

Paul then goes on to describe a perfect unconditional love and encourages the reader to pursue love. It is easy to get caught up in the routine and the daily grind, or the busyness of getting your work done. Some act like it’s most important to make sure the job gets done, the kids do their chores, or you finish on time – no matter the cost. Most people don’t feel that way, but we get caught up, forgetting to take the time to love well along the way. This is one of those things where the journey is more important than the destination. It is important to use your gifts and get things done, but love is the greatest way to make an impact.

You may feel that you are not very talented. Yet, everyone can love. Everyone can love their neighbor, family, friends – and yes, even your enemies. There are no specific skills required to love, but rather a choice involved. You choose to love. You choose to take the time and put in the effort required to love. It’s a choice you make when you show someone grace, patiently bear with them, or show an act of kindness to a stranger. You can even use your skills, gifts, talents and abilities to amplify your ability to show love to someone.

So this week, look for ways to show love to other people and make a difference in their world. Perhaps you can:
Cook someone a meal or baking
Buy someone a book, game, or a coffee
Write a card, send a thoughtful email, or an encouraging text message
Help someone move, mow their lawn, or help them with a repair
Make time to visit your friends or go on a date with your spouse

Go make a difference in the world – love someone.