LOVING IS NOT AN OPTION
Minister Francine Stuart,
Have you ever wondered what love is all
about? The Greek language has several definitions for the word love.
Eros means physical attraction as well as sexual
desire. It’s the love that God instilled in man or woman, which is
intended for marriage.
Phileo describes friendship,
brotherly love.
Agapeo stands for the love of
God. He is the Author of love for He is love.
When Adam and Eve disobeyed God they got infected with sin. This was
passed on from generation to generation and still exists today. Humanity
had lost its purity and was condemned to eternal punishment. God knew
that this was going to happen and therefore made a way out for us. “For God so greatly loved and dearly
prized the world that He gave up His only Son so that whoever trusts in, relies on Him shall not perish (come to destruction) but
have everlasting life - John
3:16. His desire was to bring us back into His family as His
children. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through
Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!) Ephesians 1:5
Our Heavenly Father commands that we follow Jesus
Christ’s example and become loving like Him. Love never gives up. Love cares more for
others than for self. Love doesn't want what it doesn't have. Love doesn't
strut, Doesn't have a swelled head, Doesn't force itself on others, Isn't
always "me first," Doesn't fly off the handle, Doesn't keep score of
the sins of others, Doesn't revel (rejoice) when others grovel, Takes pleasure
in the flowering of truth, Puts up with anything, Trusts God always, Always
looks for the best, Never looks back, But keeps going to the end 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7
God expects us to love one another and if we
don’t, we are disobeying Him.
Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know very well that
eternal life and murder don't go together. 1John
Do you carry anger or resentment for someone who hurt you in the past? Are you
able to forgive him/her? Can you forgive yourself for not achieving your
dreams? Forgiveness is a major part of love. Ask God to help you
forgive. You may not be able to do it on your own. Once you
surrender to God’s love and forgive you will be free. You will be filled
with incredible joy that can only be found through Jesus Christ. If the Son sets you free, then you will be
really free. John 8:36
Minister Francine Stuart
A Child of God
© 5/2004
