Are we all talk when it comes to loving God?

"Execute love with intentionality," I said to a young leader as I sent him on an errand. He nodded, knowing what that loaded comment meant from a previous conversation.

A middle school girl quickly queried, "What? What does that mean?" 

I began explaining to this girl that love is action and actions of love produce feelings, just like actions of hate or apathy or scorn or kindness produce feelings too. I told her love is action; it does something. I asked her if someone had ever said they loved her but did not behave in a loving way. Her eyes were big as she nodded yes.  I shared for about 2 minutes total.  Finally, she said, "Man, that's deep." 

It sure is. 

We say that we love ____________, but do we have actions of love or conversations about love? Many of us say we love God, but do our actions prove that or is it just talk? 

What should love look like? I believe it is the very nature and character of God. The Apostle Paul spelled it out to some degree like this: "Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance." (1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NLT)

How often are we unloving because we aren't patient?

How often are we unloving because we are unkind?

How often are we unloving because we are jealous of the good that happens to others or of who they are or what they have?

How often are we unloving because are boastful?

How often are we unloving because we are proud?

How often are we unloving because we are rude?

How often are we unloving because we demand our own way and only think of self?

How often are we unloving because we are irritable?

How often are we unloving because we keep records of others wrongs, weaknesses, slights, or faults?

How often are we unloving because we rejoice about the wrong stuff?

How often are we unloving because we give up on God or give up on others?

How often are we unloving because we lose faith?

How often are we unloving because we lose hope?

How often are we unloving because we fail to endure?

I am not seeking to answer these things for you, but for me. Right now, this evening, I want to execute love with intentionality toward some middle school campers!