In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him (1 John 4:9,).
The Bible says “Love is kind and patient, never jealous, boastful, proud, or rude. Love isn’t selfish or quick tempered. It doesn’t keep a record of wrongs that others do. Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil. Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting. Love never fails!” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8 CEV). This is the description of “agape,” the God-kind of love, It’s self-giving and never selfish. It puts others first. It takes no record of wrongs. This is the love that’s been shed abroad by the Holy Ghost in the heart of the believer (Romans 5:5). Agape was what moved the Father to send His Son to die for the sins of the world (John 3:16). This is absolutely different from human love, which to say the least is possessive, fickle and selfish. It doesn’t stand the test of time. It lasts only as long as the object of that love conforms to its expectations, and that’s because it’s based on natural emotions and desires. But the love of God, on the contrary, never fails! It doesn’t change even if the behavior of the one to whom it is directed changes.
This is the reason God could love a world of wicked sinners, for He looked beyond their sins to see what they could be if they trusted in Him. And the good news is if you’re born again, you can love others the way God loves them; you no longer have to rely on your own willpower or human emotions to love them!
So, make sure you operate in the love of God and not in ordinary human love, judge your love-standard from the description in 1 Corinthians 13, and you’ll always be on the right track in your love-walk.
By Pastor Anita
Best Rhapsodies
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Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord (Colossians 3:18). The responsibility of a wife in marriage ... -
Out the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seet...
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Wherefore the rather brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall (2 Pete...
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For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he... (Proverbs 23:7). Thoughts are pictures of the mind that have constructive or destructive poten...
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And Jehoshaphat stood in the congregation of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the Lord, before the new court, And said, 0 Lord God of ... -
A merry heart doeth good like medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones (Proverbs 17:22). I’ve had the opportunity to observe people...
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Then Jonah prayed unto the Lord his God out of the fish’s belly (Jonah 2:1). A young lady had been sick for several years and had been gi...