God is Love (4 of 6)
"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another." - John 13:34
Now there is a challenge if I have ever heard one. To love others as Christ himself loved us. How are we supposed to manage that? I have a saying in my household and with my friends and family and one day I intend on it being inscribed on my headstone in my final place of rest.
“I Love You More”
I say it to others and I watch their face. Generally there is a competitive streak that surfaces with the words. Most of the time I get, “No, I Love You More.” right back from them. The natural competitive nature of mankind comes out in even these 4 little words. Now take my words and put them in the full context of my belief:
“ I Love My Friends,
I Love My Family More,
I Love Lisa Most,
But none compare to
My Love for Christ! ”
I Love My Family More,
I Love Lisa Most,
But none compare to
My Love for Christ! ”
This removes the competitive nature from the same statement, "I Love You More". In Greek there are different words to describe love:
Storge – meaning affection, “I care for you.”
Philia – meaning friendship, loyalty, equality and virtue between two people
Eros – passionate love, sensual, romantic and sexual in nature.
Agape – Love in it’s richest form between two individuals, or between man and God
Philia – meaning friendship, loyalty, equality and virtue between two people
Eros – passionate love, sensual, romantic and sexual in nature.
Agape – Love in it’s richest form between two individuals, or between man and God
In Hebrew, which much of the Bible originated in, the word was Ahava. This can be translated to mean “I give” or “to give”. So as we think about Christ’s statement in John 13:34 to love one another as He loved us – it comes down to serving others and giving to others. In John 21:15-17 we find Jesus asking Peter 3 times: “…Do you love {agapas} me?...” to which Peter replied “...Yes Lord, I love {philia} You…” Loving others as God has loved us is nearly impossible. It requires completely giving of one’s self and giving for another’s gain without condition. Only God has that capability, yet we are asked to pursue this “agape” love, by taking our eyes off of ourselves and seeking those opportunities to serve and help others in all we do.
Prayer:
Loving Father,Lord, I love you and long to worship You. I thank You for loving me unconditionally, despite my shortcomings and my transgressions. You know my heart and You know my desire to serve You more deeply. Help me Lord to put You first in everything I do, and to demonstrate Your love to those I come in contact with. Let others see You through me, this I pray today. Amen
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