As Christians, we are called to love one another, just as Christ loved us. However, sometimes it can be difficult to understand what love truly means. Many people believe that the opposite of love is hate, but I would argue that the opposite of love is actually selfishness.
Selfishness is a trait that we are all guilty of at times. We live in a world that often prioritizes individualism and self-interest over the needs of others. We are taught to put ourselves first and to pursue our own desires, even if that means disregarding the needs of others.
But as Christians, we are called to a higher standard. We are called to love others as ourselves, and to put the needs of others before our own. This means that we must be willing to sacrifice our own desires for the sake of others, just as Christ sacrificed Himself for us.
When we are selfish, we are not able to truly love others. We become consumed with our own wants and needs, and we lose sight of the needs of those around us. We may even become resentful towards others who we feel are getting in the way of our own happiness.
On the other hand, when we love others selflessly, we are able to experience the true joy and fulfillment that comes from serving others. We are able to see the needs of others and respond with compassion and generosity. This is the kind of love that Christ demonstrated to us, and it is the kind of love that we are called to show to others.
In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, we read, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
These words remind us that love is not just an emotion or feeling, but a choice and an action. It requires us to set aside our own selfish desires and to put the needs of others first. So let us strive to love others selflessly, just as Christ loved us. Let us put aside our own selfish desires and seek to serve those around us. In doing so, we will not only experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from loving others, but we will also reflect the love of Christ to a world that desperately needs it.