We are living in a world marked by division, quick tempers, and deepening hostility, but the words of Pastor Chris Oyakhilome come as a refreshing call to higher living: “To walk with God is to walk in love. All people are the same when it comes to love. Everyone has the capacity to give and receive love. Love is the greatest power in the universe. That’s Christianity!”

This is not just a warm sentiment — it is the heartbeat of the Gospel. Love is the foundation of our faith and the essence of God’s nature. As 1 John 4:8 declares, “God is love.” To truly know Him is to reflect His love in every interaction, every decision, and every response — even when the world’s reaction toward us is far from kind.

Pastor Chris: Love as a Deliberate Choice

Pastor Chris often reminds us that walking in love is not about waiting until we feel like it. It’s a conscious, daily decision. “I’m going to walk in love,” he says, “no matter what happens.” That means refusing to be bitter, to hold grudges, or to allow resentment to take root in your heart.

It means guarding your spirit against negative words about others, and rejecting the temptation to speak ill or believe the worst. This is not weakness — it is spiritual strength. When you are rooted and grounded in love (Ephesians 3:17), you become firm, unshakable, and able to comprehend spiritual truths that bitterness would cloud.

The Enemy’s Strategy vs. God’s Strategy

When you live boldly for Christ — sharing the gospel, living righteously, and standing for truth — opposition will come. Pastor Chris teaches that sometimes the enemy “fires the missiles of hate” to discourage you. You may hear whispers of rejection: “They hate you here… they don’t want to see you… nobody likes you anymore.”

But Scripture tells us not to marvel if the world hates us (1 John 3:13). Jesus Himself was despised and rejected (Isaiah 53:3), yet He continued in love, even praying for His executioners. Hatred cannot diminish the love of God; in fact, it gives us an opportunity to prove its power.

If They Can Hate That Much, You Can Love That Much, says Pastor Chris

Pastor Chris puts it beautifully: “If they can hate this much, you can love this much. You will always tower over them with your love.” Love is greater than hate because it originates from God — the ultimate source of life, truth, and restoration.

Hate tears down; love builds up. Hate blinds; love enlightens. Hate imprisons hearts; love sets them free. When you choose love, you are not condoning wrongdoing, but you are aligning yourself with the nature of God, which transforms lives far more effectively than retaliation ever could.

Love Sees and Appreciates True Value

The Rhapsody of Realities devotional, in the message “Love Sees and Appreciates True Value” from this week, reminds us that many people define love based on feelings, attraction, or how someone makes them feel in the moment. But true love — the God-kind of love — isn’t based on fleeting emotions or physical appearances.

Love is God’s nature, and it sees through His eyes. It recognizes the inherent worth of every person, regardless of their actions, background, or status. When you walk in this love, you honor the divine value in others. You become more patient, more considerate, and more willing to extend grace — even to those who oppose you.

Signs of Spiritual Growth

One of the clearest indicators of maturity in Christ is not how eloquently we can speak, how much Scripture we can quote, or even how often we attend church, but how much love flows from our hearts.

Pastor Chris teaches that a spiritually mature person is recognized by their words and by their heart attitude toward others. Love shapes your speech, making it more godly, more edifying, and more aligned with the Word. As you grow, you’ll notice that you’re less easily offended, more accommodating, and more focused on others’ needs.

Galatians 5:22-23 tells us that love is the first fruit of the Spirit. The more we walk with God, the more this love becomes second nature to us.

Practical Ways to Walk in Love Every Day

Walking in love is not an abstract spiritual idea; it is expressed in everyday actions:

1. Refuse to Keep Records of Wrong – When someone wrongs you, forgive quickly. Don’t replay the offense in your mind.

2. Speak Life, Not Negativity – Refuse to engage in gossip or slander. Build others up with your words.

3. Give the Benefit of the Doubt – Choose to believe the best about people until proven otherwise.

4. Be Generous in Kindness – Even small acts of kindness can open doors for ministry.

5. Pray for Those Who Oppose You – Jesus taught us to bless those who curse us and pray for those who mistreat us (Luke 6:28).

Love: The Greatest Power in the Universe

Why is love more powerful than hate? Because hate is temporary — it consumes and destroys those who carry it. Love, however, is eternal, because God is eternal. Love endures every trial, outlasts every offense, and triumphs in every battle.

When you respond to hate with love, you disarm the enemy’s strategy. You break the cycle of offense and open the door for reconciliation and salvation. As Pastor Chris says, “That’s Christianity!”

Walking with God Is Walking in Love

The world doesn’t need more hatred, division, or suspicion — it needs the demonstration of God’s love through His people. Each of us can be an ambassador of this love, letting it guide our words, actions, and attitudes.

Whether in your home, workplace, neighborhood, or online interactions, determine today: I will walk in love. Let it be the standard by which you live, the banner you carry, and the testimony you leave behind.

Because in the end, love will always win. Love will heal where hate has wounded, unite where hate has divided, and bring life where hate has destroyed. And when you walk in love, you walk with God — and nothing is greater than that.