The Power of Love

Beloved, if God so loved us, we also must love one another.... God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him... as He is, so are we in this world. 1 John 4:11, 16, 17

These readings lately are absolutely wonderful. I wish that someone had spoken to me about God in this way when I was growing up. God is love. Isn't that the most beautiful thing you ever heard in your life? He loves us! Sometimes it takes a while, but we can love Him back. So how in the world do we show Him?

Well, there are many things we can do. And I think there can be great debate between people in regards to showing our love for Him and what "counts" and what doesn't "count." But in the Catholic faith, we believe that we must live as Jesus lived. In order to do that, we must love each other. Love each other enough to accept another person, even though their views are not our own. Love each other enough to treat others with respect and kindness, even though they are not doing the "right" things. Love each other enough to forgive. Love each other enough to live in the Present Moment. Love each other enough to give what we can to them to help them, regardless of their race or social status.

When we are doing these things, we are showing our love for God. When we treat each other with love, respect, and kindness, we are treating God that way. When we treat each other with anger, resentment, and violence, we are treating God that way. It's easy to lose our tempers (trust me I know), but when we keep God in our minds and our hearts, it's easier to cope and deal when we're about to "lose it." I remember to look for Him in that other person and to treat him/her the way I would if I were looking at Jesus himself. It works, it really does.

The power of love is so great. God's love surrounds us. It encompasses every facet of our lives. He is always there, guiding and watching with His love. Isn't that comforting to know?