The word love describes an emotion with vastly differing degrees of intensity. Four unique forms of love are found in Scripture. They are communicated through four Greek words (Eros, Storge, Philia, and Agapē) and are characterized by romantic love, family love, brotherly love, and GOD’S DIVINE SUPERNATURAL LOVE. I like the way the Living Bible describes love.
“Love (agapē: unconditional, sacrificial love, love from a person willing to do anything for another, including sacrificing themselves, without expecting anything in return) is very patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud, never haughty or selfish or rude. Love does not demand its own way. It is not irritable or touchy. It does not hold grudges and will hardly even notice when others do it wrong. It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever truth wins out. If you love someone, you will BE LOYAL TO HIM NO MATTER WHAT THE COST. You will always believe in him, always expect the best of him, and always stand your ground in defending him. All the special gifts and powers from God will someday come to an end, but LOVE GOES ON FOREVER.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)
Why does love GO ON FOREVER?
TWO REASONS:
- GOD IS LOVE: “Beloved, let us love (agapē) one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for GOD IS LOVE…And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. GOD IS LOVE, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.” (1 John 4:7-8, 16)
- GREATEST COMMANDMENT IS LOVE: Jesus said: “‘Love (agapē) the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind.’ This is the FIRST and GREATEST COMMANDMENT. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:37-40)
To love God means to OBEY HIS LOVING VOICE for our own good. To love God means to TRUST HIM. To love God means to CONFESS OUR SINS BEFORE HIM. To love God means to DECLARE HIM BEFORE MEN. Do you really love the Lord with all your heart, soul and mind?
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham