Ulterior Motive of Love

Beloved, if God so loved us, we also must love one another. (1 John 4:11)

        It’s essential that we recognize that everything we have comes as a gift from God: our lives, our faith, our families, even the energy and talent with which we earn a living on this earth. The greatest gift of all is God’s love. He gives it to us freely but he only asks for one thing in return that is to “have the same kind of love for one another.” Basically, he wants his love to be the motive of our love for each other. Loving one another can be hard at times but it’s possible if we keep God in the center of our lives. If anyone says, “I love God,” but hates his brother, he is a liar; for whoever does not love a brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. This is the commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother. (1 John 4:20-21) It is human nature for us to remove ourselves from situations that are uncomfortable, but we are called to embrace the uncomfortable in order to truly love others well. God calls us to be brave and to share His love with all who cross our paths. When it comes to loving others, there are many, many ways to do so, but to start, pray for them. Praying for others daily is an impactful way of loving them unconditionally, just as God calls us to do. Think about the people that are present in your everyday life and ways that you could pray for them. Think about the people that you come across every so often, maybe a relative that you haven’t seen in years or a friend you’ve drifted away from. How can you love them and serve the Lord through prayer? To truly “love one another” - that means we must see past our preconceived ideas, outer appearances, we must see past the little annoying behaviors of others, and we must see past the awkwardness of new situations. We must look past these things so that we can get to the hearts of those who are placed in our paths.

❦  Who needs your love and God’s love today?

Now, ask God to help you to step out of your comfort zone and be daring. Take time, whichever way works best for you, to call, write, text, email... that person. Let them know that you are praying for them. God doesn't call us to be comfortable. He calls us to share His love!

O Blessed Mother Mary, I implore you, inspire in my heart a fervent love for God and others. Hail Mary full of grace...

Peace in Christ,

Father Vincent-Vuong Nguyen