What is love and how do we do it?
God is love and the bible gives us the details on how to love effectively. In John Chapter 15 verse 12 it says, “This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you.” And God showed us his love, in that while we were still sinners, he sent his son to die for our sins. What this means to me is that when I was undeserving of forgiveness and love - because I did not even realize that I was hurting God- he still loved me. God’s love is unconditional, it is not because of what I have done why he loves me. He loved me before I knew I was in the wrong, he loved me even when I chose to be in the wrong, and he will keep loving me – waiting for me to return to him when I mess up.
The definition I use for love is 1 Corinthians Chapter13 verses 4-7, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” If we are to measure our love on a scale, this is a good place to start. We would display these qualities, showing kindness, patience, humility, and the list goes on. And in these times that we are in, it is important to revisit how to show love.
Love in the time of Covid
Ever since the start of the pandemic, there has been so much division, fear and uncertainty among our people. Not just division among Christians, but also non-Christians, scientists, political parties and frankly anyone who disagrees with our point of view. But as things unfold, I believe as Christians we need to be reminded of how to show love. Christ has commanded us to love others as he has loved us – which means even when we disagree with their decisions and opinions. The love we show to others should want to see the best in them, we should seek to protect others and always be hopeful for the best for our neighbors.
The latest point of division is to be vaccinated or not to be vaccinated. And while my stance is that I think we should all get vaccinated, as this is one way we can show love - by helping to protect those around us - I also understand that there are other ways to love. Love does not only protect but it is also patient, and kind and hopeful. And just as Christ demonstrated that he loved us even when we did nothing to deserve the love, I am sure we can extend love to others that we have differing opinions with.
It is hard to see the healthcare workers being overwhelmed and overworked, hearing of the people dying and seeing the devastation taking place. All this can cause us to be bitter and hateful to others to the point we forget to show love. Love is a choice we make, it’s not a warm fuzzy feeling. So even if we don’t agree, I can still choose to love you. I need you and you need me, so let us learn to love in the time of Covid, when the enemy seeks to divide us and sow seeds of hate. “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians chapter 13 verse 13.
Ashea West is a Doctor of Medicine, which she recently completed after studying in Grenada and New York. She is from Manchester, Jamaica and had left her hometown to chase her dreams in the medical field. She is passionate about sharing the gospel, using whatever opportunities she is given. “I do believe in blooming wherever I am transplanted”.