Love is a gift from God By Jeanne Theriault
What is the true meaning of love?
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life
God the Father new what his Son had to go through. That he would be rejected ,mocked, beaten accused, that he had to suffer for us so that we would not perish but have eternal life. Love is a powerful word when used in action.
What does God require of us concerning love?
John 15:12 My command is this love each other as I have loved you .
That is one of the most hardest thing to do especially when you have friends, family, loved ones, that have hurt , rejected or betrayed you. Love is a commandment. God requires all to love to forgive, to bless. It is our choice its not base on our emotion or feelings. We need to choose to walk in love.
Ephesians 5:1 Be imitators of God therefore as dearly loved children and live a life of love just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Jesus walked in the love of God, loving the unlovely reaching out to meet peoples needs. He was committed to love others.
In order to walk in love you need to forgive, they go hand in hand. I have heard people saying well I forgive but can’t forget . Well God forgives us and he no longer remembers .
Isaiah 43:25 I even I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake and remembers your sins no more.
Love will be tested. When you walk in the love of God it will keep you in harmony with God and man.
John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give to you , that you love one another as I have loved you , that you also love one another .
When walking in God’s love your faith function effectively
Galatians 5:6 The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
Love causes all fear to be removed from your life
1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love . But perfect love drives out fear , because fear has to do with punishment . The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
Love fills you with the fullness of God
Ephesians 3:19 And to know this love that surpasses knowledge that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Real love will lift someone up to ones own hurt
Philippians 2:3-4 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others.
Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love in honor giving preference to one another.
1 Corinthians 13:4 Love is patient ( calm, quiet, without complaint, diligent, enduring) Love is kind ( Loving, considerate, helpful, affectionate, gentle) It is not envy (Covetousness, strife, jealousy ) It does not boast ( Pride, vanity, bragging) It is not proud ( Arrogant, haughty, sensitiveness) It is not rude ( Discourteous ,rude, harsh, impolite) Its not self-seeking ( Selfish ) it is not easily angered ( Quick tempered) it keeps to record of wrongs ( Pay no attention to a suffered wrong) Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth. ( To forgive those who seek forgiveness letting the past stay in the past) it always protects ( Defend, guard, cover) always trusts (confidence, rely on ,depend on) always hopes ( to believe, to trust) always perseveres ( persist, not giving up, continuous steadfastly Love never fails ( Love is a basic attribute of God because God is eternal love will also be eternal.
1 John 4:8 Whoever does not love does not know God because God is love.
Love is a choice when you choose to walk in love you are being obedient to Gods word
1 Peter 4:8 Above all love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
Peace is your love guide
Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts since we are members of one body you were called to peace.
Love your enemies
Luke 6:27 But I tell you who hear me Love your enemies do good to those who hate you, pray for those who mistreat you .
As painful and difficult that may be again it is a choice on our part and God will bless you as choose to walk in love , to pray and bless your enemies.
Romans 12:9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil, cling to what is good, Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal but keep your spiritual fervor serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you bless and do not curse.
Rejoice with those who rejoice. Mourn with those who mourn. Live in Harmony with one another.
Ephesians 4:2 Be completely humble and gentle , be patient bearing with one another in love.
1 John 4:16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God and God in him.
John 15:12 My command is this Love each other as I have loved you . Greater love has no one than this , that he laid down his life for his friends.
We all have it in us. Let your spirit rule your heart, let God’s love arise inside of you, it will lead you to victory! For love never fails.
In so doing there is a great reward
Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God
9 Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called the sons of God 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are you when people insult you , persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad , because great is your reward in heaven .
1 John 3:21 Dear friends if our hearts do not condemns us we have confidence before God, and receive from him anything we ask because we obey his commands and do what pleases him and this is his commands to believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and to love one another as he commanded us.
Colossians 3:12 Therefore as God’s chosen people holy and dearly loved clothe yourselves with compassion , kindness, humility, gentleness, and patient. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Lord help us to remember that we are loved by you and it is your command to love others as you loved us. We will choose to walk in love, to serve, forgive, and reach out to others in love to do good and not harm , to bless and be devoted to one another in love. For it is your will that your children be obedient your word . Thank you Lord that you have shown us the example of love, that it is not base on our emotion but a state of being , you are love , as you live in us may your love become our nature. Thank you Father for your gift of love. Amen
