Paul writes "If I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver my body up to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing". These are strong and unmistakable words. According to God, we are here to love. Not much else really matters. God assesses our lives based on how we love. But, the word love is so over used and worn out. What does God mean by love? He tells us,
But even these words have grown tired and overly familiar, haven't they?
Challenge yourself to do a little exercise with these verses. Take the phrase "Love is patient" and substitute your name for the word love. Do it for every phrase in the passage. I will use my own name as an example.
Rebecca is patient and kind; Rebecca does not envy or boast; Rebecca is not arrogant or rude. Rebecca does not insist on her own way; Rebecca is not irritable or resentful; Rebecca does not rejoice at wrongdoings, Rebecca rejoices in the truth. Rebecca bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Rebecca's love never ends...faith, hope, and love abide, but to Rebecca, the greatest of these three is love.
In the end of this little exercise - I have to admit - I felt like a liar. If I was represent what love is, then I often fail to love people the way God asks me to do.
Following Christ is not something that can be done half heartedly or on the side or when we feel like it. It must be central to everything we do and are.
In Jesus last commandment to his disciples - he replied "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment" (Matt 22:37-38)
The next commandment says "To love others as much as you love yourself".
Our main focus in life is to obey God. We must obey His greatest commandment - To first love Him with everything inside of us - and secondly to love others just as much. He gives us His instruction on how to do this is - plain and simple language that is easy to understand.
The questions to our selves is "Are we willing to obey God's greatest commandment"? Is it the main focus in our life? Can I replace my name in the scripture above and sincerely say that I meet all the standards of love?
If your answer is -no - that you are not obeying all of God's Word - remember this - God does not want us to feel guilty - He says come to me for all your needs - if we need to learn how to completely love Him and others - He will help us - it begins with repentance and sincere seeking.
The results of true repentance are intimate prayer and study of His word. Thru this - you will find your motivation changes from guilt to love.
A closer, stronger, intimate relationship with God results in a stronger desire to want to obey Him. When you can put your name in that verse - and finally say - yes - I have truly learned how to love - I am obeying God's commandment's - you will begin to see your whole life change before your eyes. Don't give up - Jesus is calling you to Him and He will help.
