Happy February CSB Family! And, Happy National Dark Chocolate Day! That’s right, February is full of holidays. Tomorrow, February 2nd, is not only Groundhog Day, but it’s also National Tater Tot Day. In February, there’s also Optimist Day, Chopstick Day, Ice Cream for Breakfast Day, Umbrella Day, Guitar Day, Organ Donor Day, Presidents Day, Do a Grouch a Favor Day, Arabian Horse Day, Red Sock Day, Retro Day, Public Sleeping Day, and, once every four years, Leap Day. February is also known as the month of love because it includes St. Valentine’s Day, celebrating love, romance, and affection. Love as an emotion or a sentiment helps Hallmark and other greeting card companies generate $1.4 billion in Valentine’s Day cards alone! But, Biblical love is also an active, sacrificial posture of the heart.
Scripture repeatedly calls believers to let love shape how we live with one another. The Apostle Paul writes in Romans 12:10, “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Love is a commitment to seeking the good of another. In a world shaped by competition, fear, and self-preservation, the Christian message of love stands apart.
It is interesting to discern the times in which we live in light of Scripture that tells us in the “last days” love will grow cold (Matt 24:12). The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference. I sense an undercurrent of apathy attacking the next generation, who are frequently described as disengaged, overwhelmed, and distant. At the center of the Christian faith is the truth that God is love (1 John 4:8). This love is not passive. It moves toward humanity, even when humanity is resistant. John 3:16 declares, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son.”
Divine love chose humility and proximity over indifference and distance. More than just feelings and emotions, love is committed and engaged in the good for others. But love also has this amazing power to create capacity for more. Jesus’ ministry consistently demonstrated this expansive love. He made room for children when the disciples tried to send them away (Mark 10:13–16). He made room for the marginalized: tax collectors, lepers, and sinners, when society excluded them (Luke 5:29–32; Matthew 8:2–3). He even made room for those who opposed Him, praying from the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). Christ’s love did not depend on worthiness; it flowed from obedience to the Father and compassion for humanity.
True love makes room, for God, for others, and even for those who challenge us. From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture reveals that love expands our capacity to welcome, forgive, serve, and reflect Christ. Love makes room by shifting our focus away from self and toward others. It creates space for patience when we are tempted to rush, for compassion when we would rather judge, and for generosity when holding back feels safer. In Colossians 3:12–14, Paul urges believers to clothe themselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, adding, “Bear with each other and forgive one another… And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Christian community is impossible without a love that allows space for growth, failure, and restoration.
Hospitality is another practical expression of love that makes room. Hebrews 13:2 encourages believers: “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” In biblical times, hospitality was not merely social politeness; it was an act of trust and generosity. Even today, opening our homes, schedules, and lives to others reflects the welcoming heart of God. As Henri Nouwen described, Christian hospitality is “the creation of a free space where the stranger can enter and become a friend.”
Love makes room not because it is easy, but because it is Christlike. Jesus Himself said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). A love that makes room is visible, costly, and transformative. And, as we allow God’s love to shape our hearts, we discover that making room for others does not diminish us, it enlarges us. In making room, we participate in the redemptive work of God, who is still drawing all people to Himself through love.
As an organization with a focus on discipling the next generation, what good are we if we are not leading those under our care to be conformed into the image of Christ. And that begins by each of us modeling that, modeling love as warmth and affection, love that seeks the good of others, love that engages and is sacrificial, love that is hospitable.
How will you practice love in your own life, and towards those around you?
How can CSB Units across the United States utilize Unit meeting nights, or service projects, to engage in loving others?
How can Christian Service Brigade demonstrate the expansive love of our Savior by making room?
