Sometimes God puts certain people into our lives to grow our faith (Proverbs 27:17). Everything in our lives can be used by God for our good and for His glory (Romans 8:28). Every relationship is an opportunity to grow as believers, and for God to express his love (vs. 20).
As we become more like Christ, we should reflect his love in our behavior and attitude. If we are not becoming more loving, we are falling short in our efforts to become more like Him, and need to make corrections (vs. 8). Are we neglecting our relationship with God, and living in disobedience?
God is love, but not all love is God. The world has turned this around and contaminated our understanding of love. Popular culture usually portrays love a purely an emotional feeling. In reality, love is a choice and an action. The world has told people that the notion of love portrayed in popular culture is what makes people feel good. People sacrifice moral principles and other’s rights in order to obtain that “love”. That is selfishness, not love. Real love is from God and is holy, just, and perfect. Those who know Him will love like Him. God is the source of our love, Jesus is our example of love, and the Holy Spirit gives us the power to love. He helps us become more like Jesus (vs. 7-8).
Nothing that is evil or sinful can exist in God’s presence. He cannot overlook, condone, or excuse sin. God’s love does not make him morally lax. Those who have trusted Jesus do not have to bear the penalty of their sins. They are acquitted (vs. 10).
It’s easy to say that we love God, when it doesn’t cost us much. The test is how we treat those we come in contact with every day, such as our families, co-workers, and neighbors (vs. 20-21). Those who are saved receive God’s nature. Love is a characteristic of God. His children will also reflect that love (vs. 7). A Christian’s love must be as self-sacrificing as God’s is (vs. 11). The only demonstration of God’s love in this age is through the Church and His children, who comprise the Church. Love originates with God, was manifested in Jesus, and is to be demonstrated today by his people (vs. 12).
God’s very nature is love and all love originates in God (vs. 16). We should show this love to others, both in word and deed (vs. 11). His love for us is strong and true. He will never abandon us (vs. 9-10).
So glad to see you are back. I am praying for your complete recovery for your broken arm and the legal issue and lift you and Albert and Lucy in my prayers daily for God's mercy and guidance on you.
ReplyDeleteTrue, all of what the world calls "love" isn't really what it was meant to be. All real love originates in God, and that life is a blessing.
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