Lost That Loving Feeling

Christmas is fast approaching and people seem to be talking more about love during this season.  I don't get it though, we throw the word "love" around as if it is something we can just pick up and toss down whenever we like. Songs tell us To Give Love on Christmas Day. I, on the other hand, believe that if it is only on Christmas day that we "give love", then we really have a serious problem.

Actually, I am not too enthused about Christmas, much to the chagrin of most of my friends.  I have often been called Scrooge.  All I can say to that is "Bah!!! Humbug!!!" People seem to lose that loving feeling at Christmas.  I must admit that I too have lost that loving feeling.

It is okay if we lose that loving feeling, but we must make sure that our love is not based on what we feel.  Instead we are to show love to the other person no matter what.  That can be quite a task, that is why we were given a Helper - the Holy Spirit.  The fact is, feelings come and go and love should not be about feelings. Unfortunately, we cannot truly give love if we do not have an understanding of the true definition of love.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, 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. Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Undoubtedly, it can be quite difficult to love unconditionally, but we are called to do this.  Love is everything in the Bible.  This is why Jesus laid down His life for us.  

If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.  1 Corinthians 13:3 

We often give of ourselves, spending time with the sick, helping the needy and providing for the poor.  But, can all these be wrong?  Yes, they can, if the heart behind them is not in the right place.  Many times we give out of the desire to receive praise and to feel good about ourselves.  Instead, we should give out of love which overflows from an intimacy with Christ.  Remembering, our good things can keep us from God's thing for us.  I find that it would be quite hypocritical of me if I were to only give love on Christmas Day and then the rest of the year I am selfish and self serving.

If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:1-4

Love is much more than a feeling, it is an action.  And, our actions must show we are putting the other person first.  When each person puts the other above himself or herself, true love is at work.  Subsequently, we will have joy to the world, peace on earth and goodwill to all men because we are loving every day, not just on Christmas Day.