Pastor's Corner I Love You
I remember that we used to communicate our affection through notes, always praying that the teacher wouldn't see us. The note content was simply to ask if the person liked you or not, or wanted to be your girlfriend and they checked the appropriate box. Then there was "Valentine's Day" when you found out who really liked you. They sent you the big heart. What wonderful innocence.
Today the message is communicated through phone text with picture or video. Much of today's content isn't innocent at all. We've seen how famous people get caught sending their love (lust) notes with very inappropriate content that ends up being seen by millions. Although we have better ways to communicate what we're communicating isn't better. We're still not good at expressing love but have mastered the art of expressing lust.
Curious about what true love is? We find a glimpse of it in Romans 12:9-20
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.
Lastly of course, we have the supreme example of what Love is in its ultimate form. 1 John 3: 16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 17 If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
God
set the example of Love by giving to us even though it cost Him His Son. He
wanted a relationship with us and made it possible. Who "says" they love you?
Are they willing to do what's best, good, kind, encouraging and respectful for
you? If they don't, then they're using you. If you've grown tired of the "love
games" and want the real thing, try giving your heart to God. God will never
forsake, abandon, or give up on you. God will not judge you for your past but
will lead you to the future. God will be the first to greet you when you've
gone astray and forgive you.
Let's
celebrate love! Let's celebrate God!
1 John 4:16 And so we know and rely on the love
God has for us. God is love.
Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.
Grace and Peace Always!
Pastor Garcia Feb
2012
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