What happened to the true meaning of love? Then again, how would you define the basic quality of love?
Would you define love as selfless to a point, giving as long as I get, or watch out…don’t hurt me or I’ll seek your life?
Do you consider love to be giving, or sacrificial, or dedication, or loyal…without conditions?
What happened to the true meaning of love?
The Bible shares a bit about love here:
Love is patient. Love is kind. Love isn’t jealous. It doesn’t sing its own praises. It isn’t arrogant. It isn’t rude. It doesn’t think about itself. It isn’t irritable. It doesn’t keep track of wrongs. It isn’t happy when injustice is done, but it is happy with the truth. Love never stops being patient, never stops believing, never stops hoping, never gives up.
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7)
When I read this definition declared by Christ, I DO NOT see any conditions, or strings, or circumstances, or balances attached. Love is simply…love.
Now if you state that is Lord, and yet love as this world loves…with conditions, strings, circumstances, or balances attached…you do not love at all. And if that be the case, “The person who doesn’t love doesn’t know God, because God is love.”
(1 John 4:8)
Are you currently in a divorce? Are you having problems in a some sort of a relationship, perhaps in your marriage, or a friendship, with a sibling, with your parents or any other loved one? Are you angry with another person; have you judged them, desire revenge, are presently seeking retaliation, have cursed them…even under your breath, or wished them dead?
Do you still hold to the account that Jesus Christ is Lord of your life? If so, do you really love as Christ has commanded us?
Here are some additional definitions of love:
1Jn_2:15 Don’t love the world and what it offers. Those who love the world don’t have the Father’s love in them.
1Jn_3:1 Consider this: The Father has given us his love. He loves us so much that we are actually called God’s dear children. And that’s what we are. For this reason the world doesn’t recognize us, and it didn’t recognize him either.
1Jn_3:10 This is the way God’s children are distinguished from the devil’s children. Everyone who doesn’t do what is right or love other believers isn’t God’s child.
1Jn_3:11 The message that you have heard from the beginning is to love each other.
1Jn_3:14 We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love other believers. The person who doesn’t grow in love remains in death.
1Jn_3:16 We understand what love is when we realize that Christ gave his life for us. That means we must give our lives for other believers.
1Jn_3:17 Now, suppose a person has enough to live on and notices another believer in need. How can God’s love be in that person if he doesn’t bother to help the other believer?
1Jn_3:18 Dear children, we must show love through actions that are sincere, not through empty words.
Do you agree with these statements? If so, is there bitterness in your heart towards another?
The Bible says in another place:
“So if you are offering your gift at the altar and remember there that another believer (or an unbeliever…anyone!) has something against you, leave your gift at the altar. First go away and make peace with that person. Then come back and offer your gift.
(Matthew 5:23-24)
How would you now define the basic quality of love…can you define LOVE in one word?
For me, that word is forgiveness.
To simplify:
1). Don’t allow us to be tempted. Instead, rescue us from the evil one. “If you forgive the failures of others, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you don’t forgive others, your Father will not forgive your failures.
(Matthew 6:13-15)
2). “The person who doesn’t love (as God loves) doesn’t know God, because God is love.”
(1 John 4:8)
To walk in love…God’s love, is to walk in forgiveness; to accept that Christ has forgiven you, therefore forgive all who have hurt or upset you…no matter who they are. And if you do not walk in forgiveness, you are not walking in love.
Since you were brought back to life with Christ, focus on the things that are above-where Christ holds the highest position. Keep your mind on things above, not on worldly things. You have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Christ is your life. When he appears, then you, too, will appear with him in glory. Therefore, put to death whatever is worldly in you: your sexual sin, perversion, passion, lust, and greed (which is the same thing as worshiping wealth). It is because of these sins that God’s anger comes on those who refuse to obey him. You used to live that kind of sinful life. Also get rid of your anger, hot tempers, hatred, cursing, obscene language, and all similar sins. Don’t lie to each other. You’ve gotten rid of the person you used to be and the life you used to live, and you’ve become a new person. This new person is continually renewed in knowledge to be like its Creator. Where this happens, there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, uncivilized person, slave, or free person. Instead, Christ is everything and in everything. As holy people whom God has chosen and loved, be sympathetic, kind, humble, gentle, and patient. Put up with each other, and forgive each other if anyone has a complaint. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Above all, be loving.This ties everything together perfectly. Also, let Christ’s peace control you. God has called you into this peace by bringing you into one body. Be thankful.
(Colossians 3:1-15)
Love covers a multitude of sins.
Jesus love you…love each other.
Steve J. Cohen
©2009-2012 Steve J. Cohen. All Rights Reserved Worldwide
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