Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. | 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

I have heard it once said that people don’t care about how much you know until they know about how much you care . . .

The Lord has really been highlighting love to me in this season that I’m in. Love speaks volumes to others. Love can break down walls, set captives free, and bring healing to even the hardest of hearts.

“The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10). One of the enemy’s biggest weapons is targeting our love for one another. If he can get us caught up in woundings, jealously, and offense towards others, it is easier for him to feed us with his lies. The enemy wants to cause a breakdown in our communication with the ones we love. However, love is a powerful weapon against the devil and his schemes.

Love celebrates the successes and victories of others; it rejoices with them. When we can truly celebrate with others, we grow in our own maturity and love. True love wants the best for others; it does not compete or seek selfish motives.

One thing that the enemy wants is for us to keep our eyes on our own self and our personal wounds. In doing this, we become stuck, as though our feet have become lodged in thick mud, unable to move forward. We can make ourselves as strangers, shutting down to family, friends, and even to the Lord. “But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). I believe as we bless those who have wounded us and let go of the things we may not understand, we will move forward into a greater release of freedom. The sweet love of the Father will pour out through you, and in turn, others will receive healing, as well.

The world is hurting, and people are aching to be loved.

“Above all, love each other deeply, for love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). God knows all things and sees all things. He alone is our Vindicator and our Defender; we owe no man anything, except our love (Romans 13:8).

Are you experiencing what seems to be a breakdown in any of your own, personal relationships? I urge you, choose love, rather than offense. Then, watch as God brings life to what once seemed to be lost!