Understanding True Love | Monday
Devotional
Have you ever wondered what true love really is? Our culture bombards us with definitions of love through music, movies, and social media. But God’s definition of love goes far deeper than our cultural understanding.
True biblical love isn’t based on feelings or what others deserve. It’s based on God’s character and Christ’s example. When Paul summarizes all of Christian living in Ephesians 5:1-2, he points us to a love that imitates God Himself—a love that’s sacrificial, intentional, and transformative.
This kind of love doesn’t come naturally to us. Our instinct is to love those who love us back, to be kind to those who are kind to us. But Christ calls us to a higher standard—a love that transcends human limitations and reflects His heart for the world.
The beautiful truth is that we don’t have to manufacture this love on our own. God doesn’t set impossible standards to crush us under their weight. Instead, He invites us to receive His love first, then allow that love to flow through us to others. When we abide in Christ, His love becomes our love.
Bible Verse
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” – Ephesians 5:1-2
Reflection Question
In what area of your life do you find it most difficult to love as Christ loved, and what might be holding you back from loving beyond your natural limits?
Quote
Paul says In Ephesians, chapter five, verses one and two, which, by the way, Alexander MacLaren, one of the greatest theologians, said that those two verses are the summation of all Christian living. Like, in these two verses, this is what it means to be a Christian.
Prayer
Father, thank You for loving me with a perfect love. Help me to understand the depth of Your love more fully so that I can extend it to others. Transform my heart to love as You love—without limits or conditions. In Jesus’ name, amen.