- Deacon Larry Souter, Sr.
Understanding True Love
February is the month of the year that just about everyone celebrates and commemorates the idea of love. But love is not entirely an earthly concept. Love is Heavenly in origin. “For GOD so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him, shall not perish but have everlasting life”. Therefore, we can love or we can have love, because we have learned about love from GOD.
That being said, Love must have conditions for it to be effective. Love is commanded of by GOD. As a command it must be done (Love God and Love your Neighbor).
Love must then be done with all of your heart (Matthews 22:37). Love is an all in proposition; no half hearted endeavors for. Next, Love is not Traditional or ritual, but is real and current (Mark 12:31-33). Love is an action word and it is revealed in what you do. It gives you boldness to say what you need to say to whom when you need to say it (1 John 4: 17-19).
Love needs relationships for it to grow and to mature and for it to get better.
The Apostle Paul expresses (Charity – 1st Corinthians 13) as the most excellent way of expressions between people. He describes love as being essential or needed in relationships. Also, He said that love is not abstract or Philosophical, but it is real. It is something that is practical, that can be seen and it is something that expresses itself in some way, everyday in our actions, our attitudes; our behaviors, and our conduct. Love, therefore is not so much of the amount of gifts that you give to another, but the amount of yourself you are will to offer.
The best example of human physical love in relationship in the Bible is expressed by Jacob for Rachel (Genesis 20: 11-30). True love in relationships is sacrificial; it is willing; it is with all the heart, it is great; it endures hardships and troubles; and it is until death separates you.
Enjoy your Love Month!