April 1, 2011 
TRUE LOVE
“We have just enough religion to make us hate,
but not enough to make us love one another.”
– Jonathan Swift
“We have just enough religion to make us hate,
but not enough to make us love one another.”
– Jonathan Swift
When we hear the word love,
we all think something different.
we all think something different.
Some immediately think of charity.
Others think of intimacy.
Others think of sex.
Those of you who grew up in church think about the three different Greek terms for love: eros (intimacy), phileo (brotherly kindness), and agape (ultimate love).
Most of us get caught up in a common struggle – what is love? How do I know when I’m in it? Does she love me? Do I love him? Will our love last? This “special feeling” that reality shows like the Bachelor talk about – perhaps it is not the correct description for true love. Perhaps love is a lot, lot more! What if the most fulfilling and complete love was given to us by God? Would that surprise you?
Let’s explore God’s view on love…
1 Corinthians 13:1-8
“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.” – vs. 1
The church at Corinth had doctrine pretty much down, they had their spiritual gifts, but they lacked love. Without love at the center of your church and your life, you are missing the engine of God! Without love, I am obnoxious to God…useless noise.
“If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.” – vs. 2
Without this love, your life is a complete failure – according to God!!!
“If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.” – vs. 3
Your life, your character, your legacy – all worthless without this love.
The rest of this chapter does not define love – which would make love very academic and strip it of its beauty. Instead God describes love in vivid color and description! He also gives us a stunning and surprising look at the opposite of love – is it really hate? Let’s look and see…
“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.” – vs. 4-8a
Take care and be blessed!!! Protect, Support and Love one another!
Rev. Poe
Defender Of The Faith Missions & Ministry 
No comments yet... Be the first to leave a reply!