You may have heard the song by Elvis Pressley entitled ” True Love Travels On A Gravel Road.” The lyrics depict how love can be rough at times, but true love always last through the “ups” and the “downs” that life throws at it. Love always finds a way to make things work out for the best. It’s not always easy loving those around us. There always seems to be “bumps” in the road along the way. The greatest example of true love ever known is that of Jesus Christ. He came to Earth because of His great love for us. His life wasn’t always an easy one. His Gravel road consisted of a stinky bed in a barn at birth to an old rugged cross at His death. No matter what situation or circumstance crossed His path, He was always willing to show true love to those around Him. His love would always find a way to make things work out. As believers in Christ, we should be willing to travel that same road.

Philippians 2:1-5 Therefore if there is any encouragement and comfort in Christ as there certainly is in abundance, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship that we share in the Spirit, if there is any great depth of affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, having the same love toward one another, knit together in spirit, intent on one purpose and living a life that reflects your faith and spreads the gospel—the good news regarding salvation through faith in Christ. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit through factional motives, or strife, but with an attitude of humility being neither arrogant nor self-righteous, regard others as more important than yourselves. Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this same attitude in yourselves which was in Christ Jesus look to Him as your example in selfless humility,

In the scripture above, we can see this concept represented. Paul tells us to be living examples of Christ. We are to be a reflection of His true love towards us. That means that we travel a gravel road just as He did. While our road may not begin in a barn or end on a cross, it isn’t always paved with the best of circumstances. Life can throw some crazy “bumps” in the road. Just as Jesus faced some unloveable people on this Earth, not everyone we meet along the way will be easy to love. But, if we are to shine the true love of Christ, then we must be willing to love the way He loves. So, as you gather with friends and family this holiday season, remember that “True Love Travels On A Gravel Road. Merry Christmas!