We know what real love is because Jesus gave up His life for us. So we ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters... 1 John 3:16
God's love CANNOT be contained. It fills the willing heart to overflowing and the result is we love others as He loves us. Every kindness, every tenderness, every word of encouragement, every smile, every loving act springs from that divine fountain that gushes forth from our souls.
So many people in the this world look for love in all the wrong places. They are sure it is found in the right job, the perfect home, or even in a relationship with someone who is sure to make all their dreams come true. Or at least some of them. But the truth of the matter is real love comes from God, and what He did for us. It comes from accepting what He did for us, and inviting Him to live within us. It comes from Him filling our hearts and souls and minds with His presence in a way that cannot be confined.
I heard an illustration the other day that told about this in a way that explained it well. If you are a man drowning in a lake and another man dives in and says to you, "Boy, it looks like you are having some trouble over there. I feel for you." But he does nothing to actually save you from drowning, how much good did it do you? But if that person dove in the water and sacrificed his own life in order to save yours, we'd feel he'd given everything he had for us. Well, that is just what Jesus did of course. Sacrificed His own life in order to give us eternal life.
After we have accepted God's love and free gift of salvation, we need to give love away freely to others that they might see Him in us. Loving others and giving to them should come naturally if we have filled our hearts with Him. That we should love one another, this basic Christian message has not changed. Perhaps some have thought that because Christians talk about a “personal relationship with Jesus Christ” that it is only us and Jesus who matter. But how we treat others - how we love one another - is what really matters before God.
MANAGING WORRY AND ANXIETY
4 years ago
what an absolute stun!
ReplyDeleteWonderful words, and especially needed today in this world we're living in.
ReplyDeleteGod bless,
Mary
Blessings Debbie,
ReplyDeleteI REALLY LOVE THIS BLOG! I have been scrolling back through each post and reflecting along with you and than I decided to leave a comment somewhere along the road here, not too recent but not too far back and not where there are many but just to let you know this is a beautiful blessing and idea for seasoned or new believers!
I chose this one because of the verse:
"We know what real love is because Jesus gave up His life for us. So we ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters..."
1 John 3:16
Most of us know John 3:16 but it's so beautiful to see the correlation on 1 John.
I love your sharing your wonderful thoughts and how the Lord spoke His love whispers to you in this passage!
I sometimes take a day a week to get to know bloggers that I've seen for quite awhile, like you, out in comments and never come to visit.
I saw your moving comments many times and today I was moved to visit both your blogs!
I feel like I know you from your comments but now after browsing through both blogs, I know you a little better. I read your comment at Elaine's Peace for the Journey and I came to see yours... we all need a little more love and support in our walk or blog walk (lol)!
Hope you are feeling well today and any pain of your arthritis is gone in Jesus name. Take care...
peace,
Peggy
Excellent message. I like your swimming/drowning example - it does illustrate what Jesus did for us. Good post!
ReplyDelete