Jesus said that in the last days, the love of most people would grow cold. That’s a sobering thought. So it’s worth asking: What about my love? Is it cooling off… or is it alive with the presence and purposes of God?
Real love isn’t vague or passive. It’s focused and intentional. It’s directed toward people—not just ideas. And it shows up in action. Love isn’t just something we feel; it’s something we express. When it’s real, people experience it. Others can see it. Real love is visible.
At its source, love comes from God Himself. As Scripture says, “God is love” (1 John 4:8). Love isn’t just something He does—it’s who He is. Creation itself flows out of His love, and as we receive and express that love, we begin to reflect His image in the world.
So what does that kind of love actually look like in everyday life?
Let’s look at three simple—but deeply countercultural—expressions of real love. These aren’t just nice ideas; they’re powerful, even prophetic, in a world where love often grows cold.
1. Devotion that doesn’t give up
“Be devoted to one another in love.” (Romans 12:10)
Real love stays. It doesn’t walk away easily. It’s not easily offended or shaken. Instead, it covers, forgives, and presses through. As 1 Peter 4:8 reminds us, love covers a multitude of sins.
This kind of devotion isn’t natural—it’s supernatural. It’s the fruit of the Holy Spirit at work in us. God invites us into a love that remains committed, even when it’s hard.
2. Honor that lifts others up
“Honor one another above yourselves.” (Romans 12:10)
To love someone is to truly value them. To love deeply is to choose to value them even above yourself. That means recognizing the image of God in them—their worth, their gifts, their significance.
When we live this way, honor becomes natural. We speak well of others. We protect their reputation. We resist the pull toward gossip, criticism, or tearing others down. Instead, we become people who build others up.
3. Humility that listens and yields
“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” (Ephesians 5:21)
This kind of love requires humility. It’s willing to listen. It’s open to the possibility that God might speak or work through someone else.
In a culture that prizes independence and self-assertion, this can feel uncomfortable. But mutual submission is rooted in trust—trust that God is at work, not just in us, but in others too.
To step into this kind of love is to see people differently—to recognize God’s image in them and respond accordingly. It leads us into a life marked by devotion, honor, and humility.
We can’t manufacture this on our own. It requires dependence on the Holy Spirit and a willingness to cooperate with what He’s doing in us.
And as we do, our love doesn’t grow cold—it becomes a living reflection of God’s heart in the world.
May God fill you with His love today—and let it overflow to the people around you.
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