Monday I began a series God’s Diet Food. This spiritual food— the fruit of the spirit is God’s divine personality and character traits that lives in believers. Today’s Diet Food special is love.
Most of us when we think of love think of it in romantic terms. Ask my two older daughters to name one of their favorite movies, and Urban Cowboy will be near the top of the list. The up and down whirlwind romance of Bud (John Travolta) and Sissy (Debra Winger).
However, in the Kingdom of God love has a more profound meaning. Less to do with butterflies in your stomach and goose bumps on your arms. Kingdom love is choosing by thought, word and deed to freely and compassionately extend love to the lost, the hurting, those imprisoned by sin, the undeserving. Continually seeking opportunities to do good to all. Meanwhile expecting nothing in return.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 is probably the most quoted scripture describing Kingdom love. A love that puts others first. Sometimes at one’s own expense.
Love endures long and is patient and kind.
- Refuses to be angry, resentful, indignant or revengeful even when wronged by others or circumstances.
- Chooses patience and kindness.
- Always ready to give of one’s time, talent or treasures.
Love is never envious nor boils over with jealousy.
- Rejoices and celebrates others fortunes. Whether it be their talents, successes or temporal treasures.
Is not boastful or vain-glorious. Does not display itself haughtily. It is not conceited— arrogant and inflated with pride.
- Humbled, not proud, arrogant or conceited by personal success, power or material possessions.
It is not rude— unmannerly and does not act unbecomingly.
- Considers the implication of personal behavior on the public at large.
Love— God’s love in us does not insist on its own rights or its own way. For it is not self-seeking.
It is not touchy or fretful or resentful. It takes no account of the evil done to it. It pays no attention to a suffered wrong.
- Anger is short lived.
- Revenge is never an option.
It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail.
- Wishes ill to none.
- Never rejoices in doing harm and mischief.
- Sins of others stirs compassion, not malice and judgment.
Love bears up under anything and everything that comes.
- Willingly endures curses, slanders, prison, exile, torment, even death itself for another’s salvation.
Is ever ready to believe the best of every person.
- Gossip and slander aren’t tolerated.
- Honoring those outside one’s circle of influence.
- Extending the loving hands of Christ to all.
Its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything without weakening.
Love never fails. Never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end.
- Love is eternal.
Love is the foundation upon which God builds His Kingdom. A Father’s love for His children. Yes, our Papa knows who we are. He knows all our dark, dirty secrets. He’s aware of the evil we are capable of inflicting on His creation, and yet, He still loves us. Why? It’s simple. We are His Beloved.
In the Bible The Song of Solomon is God’s love letter to His Beloved— you and me.
Thanks for listening to my voice! Feel free to like and share it with your friends.
It’s Hump Day! Tell someone you love them. Rita
Be the VOICE heard amidst the deafening sound of sameness!
letsloveothers 