Love

[Ross]

Interesting for me how many definitions of love are being displayed by the actions and in-actions which are around us at all times and places. Mans' use of the word can go from extremes to inertia in 60 seconds. We talk a lot about love, attempt to prove love- even put love to the test.
History displays how  the love of a man for one person has led him to kill others to get that one person.
Nations have been destroyed by the outbursts of war because one leader "loved/lusted" for the goods of another.

To help the understanding of what 'not' to be doing the law was brought in as the temporary guide line for how to behave whilst in the pre-Christ period.
Paul points out in Romans 7;7
                                         " I would not have come to know sin except through the law."

Just like when the rules are put in to the workplace, the home life, the school grounds,- all this as the protection whilst learning what is  actually true love.

Christ demonstrated this true love that sets us free from failure and forgives us for our mistakes as we learn and grow in Him.

1 John 2;2 " He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins,
                  AND NOT FOR OURS ONLY.
                  BUT ALSO THE ENTIRE WORLD."

1 John 4;10 " THIS IS LOVE;
                    NOT that we have loved God BUT THAT GOD LOVED US
                     and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins."

Seems to cover the cleansing aspect for our sins/mistakes.

Then the definitions listed by Paul;

1 Cor 13;4-8 " Love is patient,
                      love is kind,
                      love does not envy,
                      love does not brag,
                      love is not arrogant,
                      love is not rude,
                      love is not self-seeking,
                      love is not easily angered,
                      LOVE KEEPS NO RECORD OF WRONGS,
                      love takes no pleasure in wrong doings,
                      love rejoices in the truth,
                      love bears ALL things,
                      love believes all things,
                      love endures all things,
                      LOVE NEVER COMES TO AN END."

Pretty comprehensive list.
Even the Oxford definition says something.

Love - an intense feeling, or deep affection for a person.
         - warmth, attachment, devotion, regard, admiration, delight, inclination, harmony.

Nowhere is there the statement,
                                            " love Me, or go to hell"
I.M.O that is a summary of the definition which the doctrine of separation from God when cast into eternal condemnation for failing to love Him installs in the power of our mind.
Any contract has a definition of the terms used in the contract.
Seeing the ones in the passage above as the real meanings of love, for me removes all fear and doubts and FULLY makes me love Christ for His work and to admire God Who has all this on His agenda for ALL mankind as the many individuals we are. So each in our appointed birth in the spirit just as we were in our birth in the flesh.
I shared an example with an uncle of mine when talking about this analogy- Just like sitting in a doctors surgery waiting to see the doctor. Much gets talked about while waiting. Varying conditions and illnesses around in the room.
When the name gets called, or the "Next" gets said, THEN you go and speak directly to the doctor. NO ONE ELSE is in there, just you and the doc. He will then determine what needs to happen to repair/heal you.
Also the concept that we have no say in our physical birth in any regard, yet we try to claim one for the more important spiritual one.
I.M.O as we grow we become closer to the true understanding of just how much we are loved we appreciate Christ and God to the deeper level.

Eph 3;18-20 " So that we may be empowered to grasp with all the saints what is the breadth, length, height, and depth and to know
                     THE LOVE OF CHRIST WHICH SURPASSES KNOWLEDGE,
                     so that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.
                     Now to Him Who is able to do FAR MORE ABUNDANTLY
                     BEYOND ALL THAT WE ASK OR IMAGINE,
                     according to the power that is working within us."


2 Cor 5;14 " For the love of Christ CONTROLS US, since we have concluded this;
                   THAT ONE HAS DIED FOR ALL;
                   THEREFORE ALL HAVE DIED."

2 Cor 5;17,18 " Therefore if anyone is in Christ there is a new creation,
                       what is old has passed away, behold what is new has come.
                      AND THIS IS ALL FROM GOD WHO HAS RECONCILED US TO HIM THROUGH CHRIST,
                      and given us the ministry of reconciliation."

I.M.O this love sets us free from the law of sin and death.
That is a universal statement, NOT a request.
We do not ask our partner to love us so why should we ask God to love us, as that, I.M.O is another point which the doctrine of hell infers.
Love God with all our heart.
Love our neighbours.
Pretty inclusive.

Have a Great Day.

[MusicLover123]

Thanks Ross!  :dsunny:

[marie glen]

Amen, Ross! You said that very well and I totally agree! God IS love. It couldn't be clearer! But eyes are not opened to see.. not yet.. each in their own order..

To help the understanding of what 'not' to be doing the law was brought in as the temporary guide line for how to behave whilst in the pre-Christ period.

That is an understanding which is so beneficial to any believer. Anymore the preaching of the law as required for God's love or approval, or for redemption, I think of the verse "Oh foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you!?"
God bless!