Just go love people!

“Just go love people. Start next door. Do it across the street. If the most important thing to God is our faith expressed in love, caring for our neighbors is one of the easiest ways to do it. You don’t need to call it a ‘missions trip’ because it isn’t one. It’s just a walk around the block” (Maria Goff, “Love Lives Here” 122).

I used to think that we were only loving others well if we were doing something big such as going on a missions trip . However, that is completely false. Now that school is out, I have been able to read for fun. Right now, I’m reading Bob Goff’s wife’s book called “Love Lives Here.” This book dives into the life of Maria Goff and a little bit about her life, what she has learned, and how God has worked in her life.

Chapter 10 is called “A Neighbor’s Love.” So far, it is my favorite chapter. She makes the definition of love so simple…as simple, close, & available to one as your neighbor right next door. In a world where people make love this complicated and messy thing, Maria tells us it’s much more simple than that.
Love is a funny thing. It’s something that we all have within us; a limitless amount unlike many things in our world. All we have to do is let our love express itself. Let it become us. Don’t just give and receive love, but be the love in your life and others.

Yes, love can be hard sometimes, but I think it is in these times where God comes in and tells us to not give up. God is love, so why not have faith in him that he will help us be that for others? He doesn’t tell us to just love the people we like; he tells us to love everyone, even our enemies and people who are difficult to love. That’s when the magic happens. The magic won’t be instant, but keep loving, and have faith that God will show us some fireworks.

Love isn’t just limitless, but it also leaves a legacy. You may never know how your love towards others impacts them, but love is powerful. This is my encouragement to you this week: Love all the people you encounter, especially the one’s you live right next door to. Stop comparing yourself/putting yourself down for not doing big things in the world like loving others through mission trips, and instead start small. The place you are serving at isn’t the big thing; it’s the love that is.

Remember-big things often have small beginnings. I pray that we let the Creator of the Earth show us the love around us this week, and the fire in our hearts that longs to not just receive love, but be love in others.
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Have an amazing week! Liv