I asked the question on Sunday, How am I to love?
This question stemmed from this verse in John 15:9; "As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love." Jesus compares his loving us with the love His Father has for Him. What an astounding comparison!
Am I capable of giving this love?
In today's Sharing Thoughts, Sue Russell explores this word "love" which just seems to roll off our tongues without any real feeling behind it.
"One of the most mis-used words in the world today is love. Most of the time, as it is used in our society, it means almost anything but love. Christians are to love one another. Jesus told us to love one another. When we really consider what that means, we find it is very difficult. It seems that in order for us to love, it must permeate our whole being.
In 1 Corinthians, Paul mentions all kinds of great things one might do to express their gifts - even to giving a body to be burned, ( 1 Cor 13:3 "even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it") but if they are done without love, they mean nothing at all. After all these great and marvelous deeds are done to no avail, love tiptoes in.
What of love? Love is kind, love is not self-seeking, love is not quick to anger, love does not think evil, love rejoices in goodness, love always sees the best in us, love is full of hope, and love does not fail.
We are called to have this attitude that God has. God is love. How wonderful it is to be around someone with this gentle spirit; how healing, how edifying, how strengthening and unfortunately, how rare.
How often does a friend say, "with you, I can be myself." What a compliment that is; for what the person is saying is, "I am safe with you."
Our natural natures are just about the opposite of love, and we will never be able to obey Christ in loving one another until we stop trying to impress others and allow God to fill us with His love."
Susan Russell
The sign board outside the church reads, "Love is not love until it is given away."
Love is freely given to us by God and His Son Jesus Christ so we may freely and authentically give it to others.
Give your love away today and see how joyous and wholesome you will feel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hdikrhmj8Fw
O Let the Love of God Enfold: Enjoy!