Dwell – Day 22

1 Corinthians 13:13

“And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

Love is more than a feeling; it’s a way of being that Jesus modeled for us in every interaction, every teaching, and every sacrifice.

1 Corinthians 13:4-5

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵ It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

It’s not something we just talk about or feel; it’s a daily choice to listen, forgive, and be present with others. This kind of love, the kind that Jesus calls us to imitate, calls us to step outside our comfort zones to serve and to care, even when it isn’t easy or convenient.

Jesus spoke of love as the command that holds all others together. He said:

Matthew 22:37-39

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

Imagine what the world could look like if we lived these words out each day. A world where we make the choice to love.

In a world that often feels disconnected and divided, love can be a bridge to healing and understanding. It softens hearts, changes perspectives, and brings light to dark places.

Loving God wholeheartedly and loving others as ourselves transforms how we engage with our families, communities, and even strangers.

This kind of love isn’t always easy. It means forgiving when it feels unfair, showing kindness when it isn’t reciprocated, and choosing understanding over judgment.

But it’s precisely in those moments that we reflect the heart of God.

Matthew 5:13-16

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

When we love like Jesus, we become “salt and light” — present, engaged, and rooted in something far greater than ourselves.

Our love is a testimony of God’s love, a light that draws people toward the source of all love.

Because of Jesus, I can choose to love.

Reflection Questions

1. Who in your life needs an extra measure of patience, kindness, or forgiveness from you today? How can you practically show them God’s love?
2. In what ways can you deepen your love for God, allowing it to flow into how you love others? Is there something you can do each day to help remind yourself of His love?
3. What is one small, tangible act of love you can commit to today, even if it stretches you? How might God use that act to impact someone else?

Prayer

Father, thank You for showing us perfect love through Your Son. Teach me to love with a heart like Yours — open, forgiving, and willing to put others before myself. Remind me each day that love is a choice, not just a feeling. Help me to love You more deeply and let that love overflow into my relationships, conversations, and actions. Strengthen me to live in a way that reflects Your love, even when it’s hard. Guide me in both the small and big ways to bring Your love into a world that desperately needs it. Amen.