It’s probably fair to say that artists have a way of looking at the world that is reflected in their work. Their art is a reflection of their worldview, their convictions. Certainly some artists work in more than one style; but stepping back and looking at their life’s work, there is usually a theme that runs through it.

And it’s not just artists who are known for the theme(s) of their life’s work. Indeed, everyone is known for something.

Our life is a canvas on which we reflect the dominant theme of our live on a daily basis. The question is not whether people are seeing the theme, but what the theme is.

“Heartistic” Impressions
If I walk into an art gallery and find a painting on the wall titled “Love,” on close examination, I should find that it’s a painting of you—or me, or any follower of Jesus. Christians are to be living definitions of l-o-v-e; “heartistic” impressions of the Savior.

The love that is to characterize the Christian, according to Jesus, is not primarily affectionate, familial love. Important as that brotherly kind of love is, that is not the love Jesus speaks of in John 13:35: “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” Rather, the love we are to manifest is the same kind of love God manifested toward the world by sending Jesus to die for our sins (John 3:16). That love is agape love, the self-sacrificing love that would motivate one person to lay down his life for another. There is no greater love than agape love (John 15:13).

A Portrait of Love
Are you and I known by our love? Is love one of the first things that comes to mind when people think of us—especially those who don’t know Christ? Does the depth and quality of our love make others wonder about its source? Are they drawn to the love of Jesus when they come in contact with us?

Allow me to offer a palette of five colors of love . . . five ways that we can leave a “heartistic” impression with those we meet that will encourage them to think of our Savior and His love for them.

1. Words of love. Words can build up as well as tear down. Ours should “always be with grace, seasoned with salt,” “like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones” (Colossians 4:6; Proverbs 16:24). Even if you have to confront, make sure you speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).

2. Deeds of love. God demonstrated His love for us “in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). While words of love are important, if they are not supported by deeds of love, they will in time sound hollow—like “sounding brass or a clanging cymbal” (1 Corinthians 13:1).

3. Thoughts of love. Our thoughts are not only private and internal, they are the building blocks of what we become. Solomon suggested that as we think in our hearts, so we become (Proverbs 23:7). The meditations of our hearts should be acceptable to God (Psalm 19:14; 104:34).

4. Gifts of love. God has given to every person three things to manage for His glory: time, talent, and treasure. When God demonstrated how much He loves us, He gave His greatest gift—the life of His only Son. A synonym for “to love” is “to give” (Acts 20:35).

5. Steps of love. Every step we take in this life is in pursuit of something; everywhere we go, we are following someone or something. It’s not wrong if we pursue things for ourselves; but if all we are following is our own dreams, our life becomes self-centered instead of God-centered. Paul said he was pursuing something higher than the things of this world: “the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).

Artistic impressions of love translate into “heartistic” impressions of the person of Christ wherever we go. Be sure that’s the portrait you are presenting to the world.

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This article was excerpted from Turning Points, Dr. David Jeremiah’s devotional magazine. Call Turning Point at 1-800-947-1993 for your complimentary copy of Turning Points.