It is the power in which we move and flow and derive life, love, and spiritual power. In Acts 17:28, Paul says,"We move and live and have our being in Him," and so we see that absolute love for others is a commandment of Jesus.
Your life is like a breath; like a fleeting shadow, so if you are having problems with loving others, its time to ask God to "Part the heavens and come down" and show you the way you should go.
God is the One who says that He will take hold of your right hand and tell you not to fear for He will help you. And we need His help because loving others can be a difficult proposition; especially maintaining that love.
God's word tells you not to love the world for if you do, the love of the Father is not in you. "The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever".
You might admit that loving others often ends in hurt, and you don't want to be hurt anymore. Why not just live for yourself and not love anyone?
"To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping intact, you must give your heart to no one, not even to an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries, avoid all entanglements, lock it up safe in your casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket-safe, dark, motionless, airless-it will change. It will not be broken, it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable". (Quote by C.S. Lewis)
So, what's love got to do with it?
Everything!
Psalm 143, 144 C. S. Lewis Isaiah 42 Timothy Keller I John 2
Tina Turner
Father, I've always believed in You and Jesus, but my heart's most fundamental trust was elsewhere in my own competence and decency. This has gotten me into trouble. As far as I know my heart, today I give it to You, I transfer my trust to you, and ask that you would receive and accept me not for anything I have done, but for everything Jesus has done for me. (Prayer by Timothy Keller.)
Wow, Bill! That is one of the best teachings I've ever heard / read on LOVE. You are so right, love has everything to do with it. Thank you for this in-depth study.
ReplyDeleteIf only couples would get a hold of this, their marriages (or dating relationships) would be so much more fulfilling with the love of Christ.
You are right, to love is to show vulnerability, but we cover it up with our defense mechanisms and selfishness. Love is is not easily offended. I Cor. 13. Mom (Judy) says that religion is offended, but love is not.
Many people who have had near-death experiences, who lived to tell about it, say that they experienced love of the Father & Christ more than you can imagine on Earth. It came upon them and through them, wave after wave, and they came back to life a changed person. More vulnerable, humble and loving.
Thank you Sharon, we have got to get the word out, Jesus is coming very soon!
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