I've been in the habit of quoting 1 Corinthians 13 whenever
I want to discuss love. The passage defines the character and content of love;
today, I want to talk about love in our actions. The Hebrews 13: 2 type
love (NIV) “Do not forget to show
hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to
angels without knowing it.” Begging the question: What do you actions say about
you?
Jon 3: 17 – 19 17
But whoever has the world's goods, and sees
his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God
abide in him? 18
Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue,
but in deed and truth.
19 We will know by this that we are of the truth,
and will assure our heart before Him…
How does the love of God abide in him? This question is
taken directly from the text. I recently had to check myself on this very
question. How could I claim to be a follower of Christ and continue to nurse
resentments? Christ cannot and will not dwell in the duality of the situation.
Romans 12:9-21 (NIV) 9 Love must be sincere. Hate
what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in
love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in
zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be
joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share
with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not
curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live
in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate
with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful
to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.18 If it is possible, as far
as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take
revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is
written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On
the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with
good.
I thought to myself “Man this is crazy!!! How could I
possibly love my enemies?!!!” I mean I was truly wrestling with this concept.
Being a fighter most of my life it was really hard for me to get a clear understanding
of this but then the answer came to me in the midst of prayer. I was praying
about a situation that involved contention and stress in my life when the Lord
spoke to my spirit in a clear and concise manner. He told me that I could love
my enemies when I love Him and stop questioning. It was as simple as that. It
doesn't place onus on anyone but me..I can’t walk a line and pick and choose
what parts of the word I’m going to follow. I must be “all in” with my love and
trust for God.
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