I recently took my husband to a concert that really wasn't my jam. It wasn't a genre I listen to, and it wasn't an artist I ever thought I'd go see (on purpose,) but it turns out, I had a great time.
Why? Because I love my husband. I love being around him. I love seeing him happy. I loved seeing him sing along (even to the songs I've never heard of.) I loved that the concert reminded him of his youth.
This week, in our online Bible study, we're reading Chapter 6 of Crazy Love, by Francis Chan. The Chapter is entitled, "When You're in Love." It's about our actions lining up with our words.
According to 1 John 4:20-21, "If someone says, 'I love God,' and yet he hates his brother or sister, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother and sister whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God must also love his brother and sister."
If we say we love God, do we act like it? Or do we act out of compulsion?
When I read this chapter, it reminded me of my husband's birthday about 15 years ago. I had covertly contacted his boss and booked a few days off work. Then I bought tickets to see his favorite NFL team. And I didn't tell him any of it. I was pretty sure I was worthy of a wife of the year award, but I didn't do it because it benefitted me or I got an award. I did it because I love him.
By the time his birthday rolled around, I couldn't sleep. I had to tell him! I woke my husband up in the wee hours of the morning, and while he was still mostly asleep, I shouted the news. "Happy birthday! In the morning we drive to Seattle, we're going to a Seahawks game! Surprise! I booked the time off for you!"
"What?" My husband asked in groggy disbelief.
Did I mention that I'm not a football fan? Going to an NFL game wasn't even on the long version of my personal bucket list.
Going to that game is actually one of my favorite memories with my husband. He was even excited to walk into a grocery store wearing his jersey. Seeing all the other patrons in their game day gear, he beamed and exclaimed, "I'm among my brethren!"
When we truly love God, taking action isn't a burden. It doesn't feel like a sacrifice. It's not about earning his love or earning our way into heaven. When we love God, we love doing things that make him happy.
My prayer for this week is that your love for God intensifies. That you are on fire for him and can't help but take action or sharing him with others.
Comment and let me know what happens this week!
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