I have
been reading through 1 Corinthians almost daily this month, and every time I
came to 1 Corinthians 13 (The Love Chapter), I would just read over it with
almost a “ho-hum” attitude. I had heard it so many times before, I could almost
recite it!
But when I
was reading it a few days ago, a phrase popped into my mind.
“God is Love!”
Wow, that
was an interesting thought! If God IS love, then those with their focus on Him
will have that love spreading through their entire lives! If we were to focus
on God, He will fulfill those attributes in us!
“The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single,
thy whole body shall be full of light.” Matthew 6:22
I decided
I had to find that verse, so I looked it up. It fit with the rest of the
puzzle!
“And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is
love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.”
1 John 4:16
I know of
too many girls, including myself, who have gotten bogged down, discouraged, and
depressed with trying to show every aspect of love (charity) mentioned in 1
Corinthians 13. It may have worked for a while, and at one time I even prayed
through every aspect mentioned! But just as God does not want us to live bound
by the law (the commandments given in the Old Testament), I’m sure He does not
want us to live bound by the attributes of love!
He really
makes it quite simple! John 15 talks about us abiding in the vine, and just as
a branch in a vine cannot force himself to grow, neither can we. It is as we
receive nurturing and strength from the Vine (God) that we naturally, almost
unconsciously, grow and produce fruit (some of which are the fruits of love).
“But seek ye first the kingdom
of God
Matthew 6:33
As we
focus on the Lord, and build our relationship with Him, He will begin to work
and make Himself known in every area of our lives. Especially the area
of love! God IS love! Love is what makes Him different from all other
“gods”, and love is how He manifests Himself in us and to others!
Praise God
for His amazing love, and for how He works in our lives when we are surrendered
to Him!
A big "AMEN!!!" Praise the Lord that it's not as complex as making sure we are constantly applying 1 Corinthians 13 in every aspect. What a slave we would then become to "rules" rather than living with our hearts simply set on Him. :) In reading this, I was reminded of the verse John 14:15, "If ye love Me, keep my commandments." Our love to God and ability to keep His commandments are so interwoven. :) (Now I'm not sure EXACTLY how that applied, but it did come to mind. ;))
ReplyDeleteLove you!
Amanda
"But be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." James 1:22
"Love is what makes Him different from all other 'gods'" - so true! So often, we cling to our idols - those other "gods" - but they can't love us, they don't love us. They are not love. When I think about that I wonder how I could fall for such counterfeits when I have access to the most wonderful Father, the author of love and love himself!
ReplyDelete:-D You know, it's funny that you should mention that.. stay tuned, because I'll be sharing a lesson God taught me this morning about idols on Friday!
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