By Vernalee
The greatest love of all comes from God.
God loved the world so much that he gave his only begotten son to save mankind. We indiscriminately use the word – Love- but is our use and accompanying actions reflective of God’s meaning? Let’s take a look.
LOVE – is a four letter word with a meaning that is higher than high; deeper than deep. The definition of love is provided in I Corinthian 13: 4-8. 4 “Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, 5 does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, 6 does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails.” It ventures to say that we have to daily and continually work at loving people – God’s way! To love in this manner is challenging and will take all that we have to stay true to its meaning. For example, you cannot love someone and hold in your heart “a wrong suffered;” an injury from the past! You cannot be a part time or fair weathered lover and be in compliance with this biblical definition. Stop using the word – love – loosely. The 64 words in this scriptural definition are simple and not complicated. Yet, to love God’s way is a tall order. Examine the text; continually work on compliance; keep the instructions penned in your heart, mind, and soul! For most of us, it is work in progress. Yes, 1 Corinthian 13: verses 4-8 are four powerful verses that describe love from the biblical definition! How do you measure up to God’s definition of love? Before you speak, don’t give lip service without providing evidence. You know the answer to the question … and so does God! There is always an opportunity to love and show love; to give and to receive love! There is also room for improvements. I love to be loved; to feel love; to show love and to be shown love! It is a reciprocal emotion. So gratifying is the feeling! Happy Sunday! Blessings!