Many people will be talking about “love” today…
But what is the true test, the true expression of love for others?
Expensive jewelry? Pounds of chocolate?…
The Bible tells us that God is love,
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” I John 4:8
If God is love, and the only source of true love, how was this true love expressed?
“In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.” I John 4:9
“No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.” John 1:18
If God is love, and He sent His Son to reveal this love to mankind, then the question of “what is love?” can only be answered by looking at the life of Christ…
“For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Matt. 20:28
“… Love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” John 15:12-13
True love is, therefore, serving others as Christ did; giving our lives in supporting, encouraging, and helping those around us, however God calls us to do so. At this point you’re probably wondering what this has to do with the beautifully delicious juice God provided for us this morning (besides me just wanting to share pretty pictures to express my gratefulness), so here’s the answer:
It’s no mystery that our ability to serve is greatly improved when we are healthy and strong. Being chronically tired, sick, or weak can seriously effect our productivity and effectiveness in whatever forms of service God has called us to. This is why self-care (i.e. putting time and effort into our personal well-being) is truly not selfish when motivated by this principal.
“Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” I Corinthians 6:19-20
It was almost exactly 6 years ago today that God showed me that I did not love myself the way a daughter of God deserved to be loved. (Full story here! -> Why Would He Do It?) This stemmed from not knowing my true value in God’s eyes, which translated to not knowing the value of others either; therefore not being able to love those around me the way that I should. I can assure you that this missing self-worth translated into not caring about the health of my body, and I ended up doing a lot of damage.
But when we come to understand how much God’s love for us cost Him, we see our true worth. It ignites within us a love for Him, and a love for all others whom we now see also are of infinite value to God. He is the Source of all love, and He has revealed this love to us in Christ so that we may be filled with it, and allow it to flow out to others in acts of loving service.
Therefore, by taking care of our bodies, rejoicing in the delicious, living foods God has given for our health, we can express our gratitude to God, our understanding of the value He has placed on each of us, and our desire to be strong and healthy, that we may effectively support and uplift those around us.
And as we prioritize our well-being in order to better do the works of Christ, the cycle of love returns to further bless us in our health journey…
“Is this not the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke?
Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; when you see the naked, that you cover him, and not hide yourself from your own flesh?
Then your light shall break forth like the morning, your healing shall spring forth speedily, and your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.” Isaiah 58:6-8
So I want to encourage you today (as God has encouraged us all!) to prioritize your health! Take time to rest in the arms of your heavenly Father, move your body, absorb lots of sunshine, and eat (or drink! 😉) the rainbow!! As you think of ways to express your love to the special people in your life, remember that a life of health which translates to effective, selfless service is one of the most powerful expressions of love we can give ♥️
“Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. … If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us.” I John 4:11-12
