When you do things for others, how do you feel on the inside? When you compliment others, do you really mean it? When you show love to others, why do you do it?
In 2 Corinthians 5:14, Paul states that the love of Christ should “constrain” us. The word “constrain” literally means to compel or to preoccupy. Does the love of Christ saturate your life to the point where you constantly feel compelled to show that same love to others? Are you walking intimately with God through your time in the Word and through prayer to the extent that you feel like God’s love has fully preoccupied your mind, your heart, your life?
Any good thing that we do should be a natural reflection of what is on the inside. We shouldn’t have to convince ourselves to show love to others just because “it’s the right thing to do.” We should show love to others because that is the only thing we know to do. Regardless of how a person treats you, speaks to you, or acts around you, we should love them because we know God loves them. Who are we to choose who we show love to when God sent His only begotten Son to die for every single person in this world? “For God so loved the world…”
At the end of the day, choosing to show love to others may feel like an obligation at times. We are human. We are imperfect. However, the more we surround ourselves with the things of God, the more we should feel motivated to show love rather than obligated. The love of Christ should constrain you!