The dictionary describes love as a "profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person. It also desribes love as "the benevolent affection of God for His creatures, or the reverent affection due from them to God."
The Bible says in 1Corinthians 13, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." How many of us can say that we love? By reading this divine definition of love, how many can say that they truly have love?
God has a heart that emanates perfect love. Perfect love is unconditional. Meaning, you won't love someone any less for what they do or do not do. We say we love, with our lips, but we must love with our very being- our actions. We have not reached perfection. To be pure and holy is to strive for perfection; to rise when we fall, to continually reach for God, to love Him with our very best.
The bible says in 1 John 4:8 that God is love. "Whoever does not love, does not know God, because God is love." How can God be love? Is love an action or a being? It is both. God is the source of love. So many try to fill the void in their hearts with everything but love. People put high expectations and so much faith in others who cannot meet their needs. No man nor woman can ever measure up to the God of the Universe. So lets not put that burden on each other.
1John 4:16 "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." Sometimes we go through circumstances that leave us feeling empty, abandoned, rejected, lonely, and unloved. Some blame God, and wonder why he allows things. But if we think about it, everything has a cause and effect. Sin has consequences, and decisions have consequences. People affect one another- God doesn't make us do anything. We, humanity, since the time of Adam, have been living in Sin. Sin causes pain, destroys, and brings much sorrow. God gave us a way out through his Son, who died for the sins of humanity. Unfortunately, not everyone walks through that door of redemption.
I believe God is moved with compassion when He sees our sorrow. The Holy Spirit comforts us. Sorrows, troubles, and tribulation are all a part of this life. But we can overcome with the help of the Holy Spirit. God loves us even when we fail, and He will be there to wipe away our tears. Revelation 7:17 "For the lamb, at the center of the throne, shall be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."
Revelation 21: 4 " He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." When we put our faith in man, we will come face to face with disappointment, but if we put our faith in God, we will find what we are looking for. He is the source of all our needs.
Know that God has not rejected you. His love for you is unconditional. It is a flourishing love that never dries or withers. Romans 8:39 " Neither height not depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to seperate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." God accepts you the way you are. He wants you to know him, and he wants to reveal himself to you. Colossians 2:2 "My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ." Work on developing your relationship with Christ. Fall in love with the One who loved you first, and who died for you. Get intimate with God, and you will see his love pour blessings upon your life.
If you feel empty: know that only God can fill that emptiness. If you would just open your heart to him, and just experience that completion in Him, your life will change. 1John 4:12 "No one has ever seen God. But if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us." We are not empty when we love one another, because God is love, and lives in those who walk in love. God has given us the recipe to the answers we seek. All we have to do is follow.
If you feel unloved: God loves you more than anything or anyone! There is no love more powerful! If you have someone in your life that is loving to you, it's because God put that person in your life. God demonstrates His love to us in so many ways! We just have to open our eyes, and realize it. Welcome his love, and truly savor it. 1John 3:1 "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called the Children of God!" That is what we are! Children of God. The reason the world does not know us, is because the world did not know Him. If we remember that, we don't have to feel so alone and unloved when the world does not recognize us. They are cold and lacking, because they have not known, or refuse to know the father who longs to draw them near to Him. Just give your troubles to God. There is nothing He can't handle. Psalm 55:22 " Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall." 1Peter 5:7 "Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you." Your eyes have to be unveiled before you can see the promise. Open your eyes and see how God demonstrates His love to you everyday!
Let go of your past, your fears, and your failures: You must look ahead, toward the prize! Don't let barriers and distractions stop you from running the race. Don't let anything or anyone stop you! Get up when you fall. Stay focused. Hebrews 12:1 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great crowd of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverence the race marked out for us." 1Corinthians 9:24 " Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize." So look ahead toward the prize. Don't look back, and don't hesitate. The closer you get to the end of the race, the sweeter the whole experience becomes.
Beloved children of God: I close with these encouraging scriptures
Hebrews 6:10 " God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them."
James 1:12 " Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."
Deuteronomy 33:12 " Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in Him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between his shoulders."
Amen.
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