Thursday, October 16, 2014

Do You Know the Meaning of Love?

1John 4:7-8
 
7Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
 
This scripture has been visited before. But what is different this time? Do you know the meaning of Love? Many equate it to "large quantities of chocolate" as stated in the film, The Devil's Advocate. Some say love=sex. Sex is one way to express one's love because you become one with a person in body and spirit as the Word says . There are many different versions of love. Ultimately, the premise is still the same. Love involves thinking of someone else other than you. Love involves the willingness to sacrifice. Love involves moving from selfishness. Love involves wanting to give and not just take. We are called to love in the body of Christ. But do you know the meaning of love? God is love. God created you and I in His image. He then decided that because He loves us so much, that He wanted to rectify Adam's mistake by allowing Jesus to be born so He would suffer and shed His blood for the remission of our sins that we may be reconciled back to Him. He loves us so much that He has delayed Christ's second coming so we have enough time to get right with Him. He loves us so much that He provides for every need. He loves us so much that He wants to give us guidance through His Word and the Holy Spirit and desires our friendship. God is willing to do anything to get your attention. Someone who loves you wants your attention, your time, your friendship. Many people fear saying, "I love you." The Word says that perfect love casts out fear because fear involves torment. The Word also says that he who fears has not been made perfect in love. In other words, there is nothing to fear in love originated from God. If you fear it, it is because you have not known it before. There are some who say "I love you," at the drop of a dime but love is an action. Where is your action? Love involves giving in some way. Love involves sacrifice. Love originating from God is never empty. There is always proof of love. Do you know the meaning of love? One of the definitions of love as defined by Merriam-Webster's Dictionary says unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for others. It also says to feel a passion, devotion or tenderness for. In these cases, they require action. God's love for you has and is expressed through action. God wants you to display your love for Him through action. He also wants you display your love for others through action. Again, do you know the meaning of love?