Bundle Up!

Hasn’t it been a bit cold lately? I know that some of you wear summer clothes all year long and are seemingly immune to temperature extremes (you know who you are), but it has been cold! And unfortunately, there has been no snow as of yet. I heard somewhere that it was supposed to be a really bad winter, but here we are. Just chilly rain, rain, rain. When it’s cold outside, one of the best things to do is to find someplace warm. Maybe next to a roaring fire with a hot drink, book, and a pet in your lap (you introverts know what I’m talking about). We naturally keep our homes warm in the winter and wear warm clothes longing for Spring to...spring. When it’s cold, we look for someplace warm.
When we look around the world today we see the signs of the times on the increase. We also see evidence of what Jesus says about these days, that “the love of many will grow cold.” With all the division and strife among people these days, coupled with the individualized nature of our culture, it’s easy to see love take a back seat. So how does one “bundle up” against the coldness of the world? Naturally, by being filled with God’s love. Observe:

“And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” - Colossians 3:14

We are called to be intentional in “putting on love.” Our world has plenty to offer otherwise, but love is what warms up the cold world. The love of God accepted and then reciprocated to others is what changes things around us. Today, young people and people in general aren’t looking for something trendy, hip, or dazzling. They aren’t looking for something cool. They are looking for something warm. As Jake Mulder says in his book Growing Young, for people today, “warm is the new cool.” People are longing for a warm, loving community.

So I challenge myself and I challenge you to make love a priority this month. Go out of the way to love others. I hear that people will then know we are Christians! What are some ways in which you can love others well?