1 Corinthians 13:4-7*deep breathe*
Charity...Agape. The Greek word is used 106 times in the new testament. It's translated as love 86 times. The word "love" in our vernacular has been water down. Would you agree?
Out of all the times we hear the word "love" during the day, how many times do you think it's meant like it is in 1 Corinthians 13? How many times do I think of it that way when I say it?
The bible holds some amazingly awesome promises for those who learn to love. In 1 John 4 it says this about perfect love: When you read that "herein" word, did you go back and double check to see "where"-in? That "herein" word is refering to dwelling in God through love. And then, what is the promise that is given to us? We will have boldness in the day of judgement!!! Wow! Can you imagine. What a promise!
But the promises don't stop there. They aren't just for the next life. The Word also says that perfect love casteth out fear! We have nothing to fear. If you're going through life fearful, ask yourself why? If you're living with the Spirit in your heart as a converted believer/follower of Christ you have NOTHING to fear...NOTHING!
So when Satan tries to make your life seem dark...when he tries to darken your sky and block your light...remind him that you have NOTHING to fear in this life or the next. We're children of the KING! We are tapped into a power, through Christ's sacrifice, that extends even beyond Satans seemingly long arm.
You could really take the word Charity and replace it with the name of Christ in 1 Corithians 13...it would do a wonderful job describing our savior! Maybe that's why without it your life will profit you nothing. Even if you do a myriad of good deeds.
15 comments:
Thanks Luke. I needed this one today.
God is good
Praise God that He provided Steve! God IS good!
God is love.
God gives freedom in free will.
Does love, then, give freedom in offering 'freedom of choice,' rather than demanding love in return?
Anonymous: I'd appreciate it if you'd sign your name.
Love "seeketh not her own...Beareth all things... endureth all things..."
This doesn't sound like Love would "demand" love in return. Obviously Christ didn't demand anything in return when He died for us.
I totally agree with you that we have watered down the word Love. It is very convicting to me to think that the word I use to describe how I feel about Dr. Pepper and my books is the exact same word I use to describe my Savior and King.
Thanks Luke.
We just talked about God's love at girl's bible study last night! I alluded to my blog post when I listed the characteristics of 1 Cor. 13 and realized they describe God's personality.
What an awesome reinforcement from your post today! God's love is something I don't think of enough and often take advantage of, and as it is undeserved, I need to change that. We decided last night that one way to experience God's love is to practice it.
Jenny: You're not alone in that conviction
T: That thought about experiencing God's love through practicing it, is great!!
Luke:
Do you ALWAYS know just what to say, or more, do you ALWAYS know what I seem to be struggling with in my heart on a DAILY basis? lol! I'm going to go ahead and say that God's Word is just THAT powerful, that it speaks to all aspects and facets of our lives. Yeah. That sounds about right!
Fear. We talked about that one last week, and to be honest, that's a hard one for me to overcome. Fear is all around me. But I thank you for the reminder that God is bigger than all of the fears and doubts that the enemy likes to plant in my heart and mind. "Be still and know..." LOVE that verse.
Agape Love - the love that seeks not one's own but another's. Boldness in Christ - knowing that we abide in His agape love and therefore are called His. The power of God - great enough to create all things, great enough to reconcile us unto Himself, great enough to claim present victory over satan's deception and power on this earth.
All we have to do is trust His love, rest in His power, and live unto Him.
GREAT WORDS. Thank you.
Stephanie: That goodness I don't always know what's on your heart! ;) It might be overwhelming. Amen to the power of God's Word!! It's able to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart!
Katie: "Trust in His love, rest in His power, and live unto Him"!
I love that!
What are you trying to say, Luke? Huh? HUH? ;)
umm...er..well..umm...what I'm trying to..er..say is...well..
I'm not God.
:)
Cute. lol
Jn 15:13 "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends"
Anonymous #2 said...
Pretty interesting to read all of these...
:)
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