How do you define the word love? When you hear that word, what is the first thing that comes to mind? In addition, what is the first thing that comes to heart? Has your definition of love changed or shifted while going through the vicissitudes of life? Is your heart hardened, or are you receptive to the power of love?
I think Stephanie Mills got it right in her hit song, “I’ve learned to respect the power of love.” In that song she tells love I need you; I want you beside me, I trust you, I believe in you, and I adore you. What a dynamical way to describe love, and one’s desire for it. One thing that I have learned is that love is not just about the tingly emotions, but also the act of obedience.
The bible defines love in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a as patient, kind, does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. When you think about that definition, those words are all acts of obedience. Many of us have witnessed the feelings and emotions of love, but have we obeyed in patience, truth, and kindness? Not only must we focus on what love is, but we cannot forget to also focus on what love is not. I love the good book because the bible leaves no stone unturned. How often have you experienced the depth of love by being obedient to what love is, as well as to what love is not?
As many of us enjoy roses and chocolates on February 14th, I pray that you would ask for God to deepen your obedience in love. I also pray that as you go deeper in your obedience, so will your intimate love relationship with Christ; followed by yourself and others. How has God been patient, kind and trustworthy to you? How have you been patient kind and trustworthy to yourself? How have you been patient, kind and trustworthy to others? In addition, how has God acted in obedience to display what love is not? How have you acted in obedience to display what love is not to yourself and others? Until you envelope love through observation and obedience, the impact and power of love will be diluted.
Love is not just a gift, but also an act of obedience. When you have a moment, reflect on John 3:16 that states, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” Remember, when you tell others you love them, it is a serious matter. There are times when you may feel God’s love is a far off, but please trust that his obedience to His word towards you is a love that will never fail. I want to encourage you today, to take your level of obedience of love to another level; may this year you truly experience and express the power of love!
Live Life on The Promise of Impact!
Min. Carenda Deonne Beamon
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