The word of God has to bear fruit in our lives and this can only happen by practice of the word.
Reading Philippians 1:9-11 and 1 Thessalonians 3:12, we see instructions on living life the love way. We can infer from the above portions of scripture that love is a nature that can be nurtured. Like a new born who has not developed full adult tendencies and characteristics but has the potentials to, so it is with love.
When we become born again, God’s love nature is deposited in us. However, over time, we must make conscious effort to nurture this nature of love that is in us. Unfortunately, many do not realise this truth and remain at the infant phase. They do not develop their capacity to express and exhibit the love nature of God; to love and to receive love.
This is worrying because love is not the natural state of man. The Adamic/sin nature is what is naturally inherent in man as a result of the fall of Adam. Consequently, like mother tongue interference it occurs when a person tries to speak a new language; the Adamic/sin nature interferes when we try to exhibit God’s nature. Love must therefore become a mindset; a way of thinking for every believer as this is the way to nurture and give expression to the love of God.
Why is it important to nurture the love of God? As believers, nurturing the love of God in us is important because the level of love we have in us is usually directly proportionate to our success and achievement. This is why many inventors reach their most brilliant ideas when thinking of solutions for others; when they think from a background of love. The process of our creativity is inspired when we think broadly of that which helps others – God in fact created the earth with us in mind!
To grow and mature in the love of God also entails increasing the influence of God over our hearts and minds and developing the fruits of the spirit (Romans 5:5; Galatians 5:22). By this we behold and understand the love of God which inspires us to heights and depths of love that far exceeds every human definition of Love.
Our capacity to grow and mature in God’s love can however be hindered by bitterness, malice, deceit, hypocrisy, strife and envy! (Ephesians 4:31). We must consciously avoid these as we exercise our love muscles by labouring in love. We must also know no man according to the flesh but see the blood of Jesus and its worth when we see others regardless of class or status. A self-absolved life is not the will of God. God has invested too much in us, so, we must think of others!
Finally, we must learn to stay in the company of people who love God and people who express God’s love to others. This would inspire us to greater works of love. After all, iron sharpens iron! (Jude 1:21; Proverbs 17:17).
Our constant prayer to God should be that His love becomes a mind-set and lifestyle and that we become able to give to others the kind of love He has shown us – this is the Will of God!