The pursuit of God through Bible study is extremely wonderful. I enjoy studying theology and developing devotions which I daily post as blogs. Bible scholars and bible teachers are definitely important. But sometimes we can get so caught up in what we are learning about Jesus that we forget the main thing is to BE LIKE JESUS. And what Jesus cared about most was LOVE. “The three most important things to have are faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is LOVE.” (1 Corin. 13:13) Why is that? Because, “Beloved, let us love 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.” (1 John 4:7-8)
Listen to this amazing overview of LOVE, “…If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body; but if I didn’t have love, I would have gained nothing. Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. LOVE NEVER FAILS.” (1 Corin. 13:4-5) At the core of these qualities is the unwavering and unfailing aspect of God’s love. God has proven this nature about Himself to humanity throughout the ages. He has maintained a covenantal relationship with humanity since creation. Even in our sinfulness, God continued to maintain patience with us and love us and show us mercy.
For we know this awesome thing about Him, “…God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world TO CONDEMN THE WORLD, but that the world through Him MIGHT BE SAVED.” (John 3:16-17) This is the BOTTOM LINE concerning this matter, “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than TO LAY DOWN ONE’S LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS.” (John 15:12-13)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham