How you doin? If I had to describe God in one word it would be "love". Years ago I read the book "The Covenant Marriage", by Gary Chapman. I read it then in an attempt to understand marriage. I want to read it again. This time in an attempt to understand my relationship with Jesus. 1 Corinthians 13 today.
In Chapman's book, he describes Biblical love as a decision. A decision to hold someones well being in higher regard then your own. This definition of love reminds me of Jesus. The world's view is that it's a feeling. If you fall in love, you can fall out of love. Chapman went on to say that divorce is common because we base our love for each other on how that person makes us feel. I've only been married for 6.5 years, but I know for sure we don't make each other feel good all of the time. I'm surprised at how the commitment and decision to be married and to love each other does make me feel good all of the time. That's a good word.
This chapter is titled "Love". Verse 4-7, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." I don't think I could find a better description of love then this one. I don't think I could find a better description of God then this one. I can see how love is a decision in these verses. None of these thing come very easily to me. I need to decide to be patient, kind, forgiving (or keep no records of wrongs),... etc. Back to the Holy gym. I need to train for this stuff.
Verse 8, "Love never fails." That's a simple and powerful truth. Verses 9-10, "For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears." To me perfection comes through Jesus. It can be obtained here on earth as it is in heaven. COME ON!!!!!!! By receiving and understanding love, I can have access to the resources of heaven. Perhaps more on that in my book.
Verses 13, "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." Faith and hope partnered with God's grace leads to love. When I think of how God loves me, it's hard not to understand love. I've done very little to make Him feel good. That's why I pray all day for Him to increase my desire to love Him and for Him to rend my heart to poor His love in. AWESOME!!!!!!! The Bible offers me/us the best workout ever written. Jesus offers us the best trainer ever... the Holy Ghost. COME ON!!!!!!! Decide to love today.
PS It's no coincidence that the 2 greatest commandments are first, love God and second, love your neighbor.
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