Is it possible to command love? Yes, when you understand what Christian love really is. Many people have the mistaken idea that Christian love is a feeling, a special kind of “religious emotion” that makes us reach out and accept others. Certainly emotion is
involved, but Christian love is basically an act of the will. It simply means treating other people as God treats you! It is even possible to love people we really do not “like.”

We may not be able to will our affections at all times, but we can will our attitudes and actions. When people are rude to us, we can be kind in return. When people persecute us, we can pray for them and, when the opportunity comes, do good to them. If we followed our feelings, we would probably retaliate! But if we ask the Spirit to control our wills, we can act toward these people as Jesus would have acted—in Christian love.

Jesus said: “If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another, as I have loved you, that ye also love one another” (John 13:14-15,34).

Also consider: Leviticus 19:18,34; Mark 12:30-32; Romans 12:9-10.

Action assignment: Ask God to let you overflow with His love today. Start at home and go from there.