We often tell those we love that we love them. ... we sometimes say it so much that the words lose their value. .. it becomes second nature. .. it becomes a reflex use of language. .. just words, nothing more. .. and that is just with those we call our loved ones. .. our children, our siblings, and parents.
What about those that do not fit the definition of a loved one. .. how would you define what it is you feel for them. .. that associate. .. and what about that enemy. ..? Love. .. such a powerful word. .. IF one defines it as a noun. .. it mean a strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties. .. or an attraction based on sexual desire, affection and tenderness felt by lovers. ..or maybe it is affection based on admiration, benevolence or common interest. ..(Websters)
But what does the word of God say about Love. .. Let's start with 1 Corinthians 13:4-5. .. Love is patient, love is kind, it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no records of wrongs. ..
Love is the greatest gift of all that God has given us. ..Love is an attribute of God. .. God is Love. ..He is the initiator of the relationship of love with us. ..
Our understanding and definitions of love are flawed. ..but when we look to Jesus. .. we get the real understanding and definition. .. John 3:16 states. .. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. ..We love because he first loved us ( 1 John 4: 19). .. so how should we love. ..?
We should love the Lord our God with all our heart and with all our soul and with all our strength and with all our mind. .. and we should love our neighbor as yourself. .. (Luke 10: 27). ..
But what about your enemies. .. here. .. Jesus is very clear. .. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you. ..(Matthew 5:44). ..
The book of Romans says. .. Love must be sincere. .. and Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8). .. We are to love each other as Christ loves us. ..
So. .. Proverbs 3: 1-4. .. Forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments, for length of days, and long life and peace, shall they add to thee. .. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee. .. bind them about thy neck, write them upon the table of thine heart. .. So shalt thou find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man. ..
And my prayer in closing to you the reader. ...God's word from Ephesians 3: 16-19
I pray . .. That he would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man. ..That Christ may dwell in your hearts by Faith, that you being rooted and grounded in Love. .. May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height. .. And to know the love of Christ, which passes knowledge, that you might be filled with all the fullness of God. ... Amen.
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