Most of us can agree that the world needs more love. Just turn on the tv or the radio or look on social media. There is so much hate in this world. Most people are only concerned about what they have or what they can get. They don’t even consider that they may lose their soul in the process.
What we need is a special kind of love. The love that is described in Romans 5:8: “But God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.” (usccb.org) We need redeeming love!
What Is Redeeming Love?
Redeeming love is a love that restores, forgives, and uplifts. It is rooted in God’s unconditional love. It begins in the home, extends to work, and becomes a daily practice. Defined in a biblical sense, redeeming love is love that brings restoration, forgiveness, and transformation.
This love is described in many places in the Bible. God shows His ultimate act of redeeming love through Jesus in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” (usccb.org) Again through Himself in Ephesians 1:7, “In him we have redemption by his blood, the forgiveness of transgressions, in accord with the riches of his grace.” (usccb.org) We also know that redeeming love is not based on merit but on grace and selfless giving as stated in Titus 3:5, “ not because of any righteous deeds we had done but because of his mercy, he saved us through the bath of rebirth and renewal by the holy Spirit,“ (usccb.org).
Redeeming Love Begins in the Home
Home is the first place we experience love and forgiveness. From the time we are born and our parents are gushing over us to the day we die, we experience love. This may look different for each person as we are not the same and not born into the same circumstances. Know that if you yourself have not experienced redeeming love, you can be that for yourself and for others. You can also find it in God.
It is important to show unconditional love to family members, even in difficult situations. Colossians 3:13, “bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do.” (usccb.org). Although it may be hard at times, it can be practiced through patience, forgiveness, encouragement, and having a servant heart. As a model for how love should be expressed at home, refer to 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, “Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, [love] is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” (usccb.org)
Bringing Redeeming Love Into Your Work Life
A huge part of our life is spent at work, whether it is a job, career or a passion. Love and grace can be practiced in professional settings, even when faced with conflict or challenges. Practice kindness, integrity, and forgiveness while at work. Be that light for others as Matthew 5:16 reads, “Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” (usccb.org) Ephesians 4:32 guides, “[And] be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ.” (usccb.org).
These are easily accomplished by treating coworkers with respect, leading with compassion, and maintaining a Christ-like attitude. Oftentimes, a simple smile with a “How are you?” can be a blessing in someone’s day. Take to heart Proverbs 3:3-4, “Do not let love and fidelity forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. Then will you win favor and esteem before God and human beings.” (usccb.org) Live redeeming love.
Living Redeeming Love Every Day
Daily life also often presents opportunities to live out redeeming love through small acts of kindness, patience, and encouragement. Prepare yourself to live this way. Utilize prayer and surrender your heart to God’s love. Read 1 John 4:7-8, “Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God. Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love.” (usccb.org)
Use self-reflection to determine if you are providing redeeming love to those you interact with. Ask yourself these questions:
- Am I quick to forgive?
- Am I showing grace?
- Am I being a light?
- How can I improve?
Micah 6:8 reads,“You have been told, O mortal, what is good, and what the LORD requires of you: Only to do justice and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God.” (usccb.org)
Be Redeeming Love
Redeeming love shapes our relationships and character. It shapes how we build up humanity and the ripple effect it will cause. Embrace redeeming love in all aspects of life. It is a reflection of God’s love for you.
You are love. Be redeeming love just as 1 Corinthians 16:14 guides, “Your every act should be done with love.” (usccb.org)
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