The importance of love is expressed by Jesus in Luke 10:27, And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. Jesus is telling us that the greatest thing we could ever do is love. The love spoken of here is in reference to the agape love which is a self-sacrificing, giving love that God gives to His chosen people. His love is so great it not only expresses itself towards His people, but captures their hearts that they may experience and express His love.
God demonstrated this love in John 3:16, For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. The Lord set His affections upon His elect, but even shows His benevolence upon the reprobate when He sends His rain upon them as well. God shows His kindness to those who will never attempt to show any gratitude towards Him.
May God help us to love Him more and more as we see the day approaching and love even our enemies and show kindness towards them though they never express any thanks for what we may do. O how we need God's grace to be able to do such things.
Our Father in Heaven, Who loves us with an everlasting love, forgive us for our lack of love. We thank you that the love of Christ is shed abroad in our hearts and we enjoy the benefits of it everyday. Please, help us Lord, that we would increase more and more, to do that which Christ declared as the greatest thing we could do, that is, to love. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
