Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 1 John 4:7-10
L O V E. This may very well be the most controversial word in the Universal language. What does love really mean? What does God say about love? It’s evidently clear that more than ever we all could use a little more love in our lives.
According to Merriam-Webster, love is defined as:
“Noun 1). A strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties. 2). Attraction based on sexual desire: affection and tenderness felt by lovers. 3). Affection based on admiration, benevolence, or common interests. A: the object of attachment, devotion, or admiration. B: a beloved person. 4). A: unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another. B: a person’s adoration of God. Verb 1). To hold dear. 2).To feel passion. 3). To like or desire actively. 4). To thrive in.”
So let’s take a look at what the Bible tells us about love. The NIV states:
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7
A wise son heareth his father’s instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke. Proverbs 13:1 KJV
When we work as a collective, beautiful, and lasting love ties can begin to nurture and plant seeds in us. Seeds that when placed in a well-developed and well-tilled rich soil, along with proper watering, helps to cultivate a wonderful garden; see each step of creating a garden is needed, necessary, and a must if you want to see full and rich growth.
Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof. Matthew 13:31-32 KJV
We each are so very uniquely designed and purposed. We all have very different specialties, callings, and gifts to bring to humanity at large. We should never discount our importance in this world.
LOVE is a very integral part of our union and ties with one another.
If we can begin the process of healing through the gift of love that God has shown us, we would all be much better for it. I hope that each one of us can take a hard pause and pick up a brand new pair of glasses and view the world around us through the lenses of LOVE.
FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 KJV
July 3, 2020