[This focus was originally sent 02/14/2010 (Edited some.)]
TRUE LOVE!
Today is marked on the calendar as “Valentine’s Day”. Have we chosen only one day a year to consider and express love or is it of great significance to us every day of our life? Love is a topic much talked about. It is written about in words of poetry and prose. It is the subject of song. (I’ve written 36 songs for my wife from the time we met and on into marriage.) Love is sought after; found and lost; experienced and misunderstood.
While reflecting on the subject of “True Love” in preparation for a sermon [in 2010], there was an idea that came to mind of which you might agree or disagree, but I ask you to at least consider it for a moment. I don’t think “True Love” can truly be understood without recognizing first of all how God has revealed His love (and what characterized that love) and secondly how we are to extend love as well. To find it and understand it is not to simply be on the receiving end, but the giving end because that is what “True Love” is; a selfless giving love!
Not all that is called love is actually “True Love.” Sometimes what some call love is selfish instead of selfless. For some, rather than it being about a steadfast relationship it is about what is in it for themselves. However, it is in the process of selfless giving that love blossoms and grows and is truly experienced.
John exhorted. . .
“(20) If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. (21) And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.” (1 John 4:20-21 ESV)
With “True Love” there is a complete package to be kept in mind. Remember Jesus also exhorted to love even our enemies as we also pray for those who would persecute us. (Matthew 5:44) Love is always a right action whatever the relationship, because “True Love” keeps the best interests of others in mind. Is that not what God has done for us?
God’s love was made manifest on our behalf. Is that same love being evidenced in our own life? If it is, then we are revealing our appreciation for it and will experience the power of it in building genuine and God glorifying relationships as we draw the ultimate focus toward God who “first loved us.” (1 John 4:19) May the manner in which we love help those around us come to understand what “True Love” is truly all about!
Have a great day LOVING OTHERS GOD’S WAY!
Carl
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(“teEn-MAIL” is sent out daily by Carl Hanson, preacher for the Church of Christ in Port Townsend, Washington, USA, located at 230 A Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368. Come visit us if in the area. www.porttownsendchurchofchrist.org)
