Uncontaminated Love

The whole point of what we’re urging is simply love—love uncontaminated by self-interest and counterfeit faith, a life open to God. 1 Timothy 1:5

Paul continues to urge his followers to follow Jesus with uncontaminated love. Paul, who was so full of hatred before he met Jesus, is now stuck on the theme of love. Love that is pure, selfless, and genuine. Knowing Paul’s past as an adamant, rule-keeping, judgmental follower of the law, it is sometime difficult to believe the 180 degrees turn in his life. I’m sure love didn’t come naturally after he met Jesus. Maybe that is why it took 14 years before he was confirmed by the apostles to preach the gospel. He had to have time to grow in love and let go of his past. Whatever the process, I know that growing in love is a lifetime process for me. Love that is completely free of self-interest continues to be my goal. I have experienced so much growth in the last few years, but I still have “miles to go before I sleep.”

Jesus, Jesus, help me to love like You love – a love that sees every individual as a child of God needing love, and every situation as redeemable. You made me with drive, enthusiasm, and a desire to see things accomplished. But without an outpouring of Your love over those character traits, they produce impatience, anxiety, and fear. I ask that You purify those traits to accomplish Your will and encourage others in love! Thank You, Father, for Your faithfulness “even to my old age and gray hair!!!! (Isa. 46-4)