More Than A Feeling

1 John 4:7-12

Our present world has a shallow view of what love truly is. In fact, love is the most misused and abused word of all the words spoken by men (in my most humble opinion). While the average person defines love as simply a feeling, the Biblical definition of love centers more around choices and actions. Without proper spiritual guidance and teaching, many would easily base their understanding of love off feelings and emotions alone, but there’s more to this four letter word, that many fail to discover in their lifetimes.

God is love, and this is plainly expressed in verse eight of our lesson’s text. God manifested His love to all men, when He sent His only Son into the world, so that those who choose to accept His salvation, can live through Him. There was no other way to redeem man back to God, except through the perfect sacrifice of Jesus. While the extent of God’s love can trigger all types of emotions, it was initiated by a choice, and an action. God chose to send Jesus, who chose to lay down His life for you and I.

Love is works based, and is more about actions, than hollow words. Love has even been blamed for countless marital and relationship problems, however true love remains innocent. People hurt others in the name of love, but their evil and malicious behavior was the root cause of all their issues.

The children of God are commanded to love others, proving that God is with them. If God the creator of all things can love us in our sinful and weakened states, then we should never hesitate to show love to all we meet. If we truly love God, then we’ll define love according to His standard of holiness, and not by the world’s standard of selfishness.

“Get out of your feelings and get to work, because love is what it does.” – Ell

Eternal Emotions

Genesis 42:35-38

What is it about the human heart, that allows for it to experience both ends of the emotional spectrum and all the roller coaster feelings in between; sometimes all within mere moments of time? Being made in the image of God the creator, and after His very own likeness, mankind was designed in a very unique, and incomparable fashion. Without trying to sound braggadocious or anything of the sort, but God made us super special, in a variety of ways! Man has the ability to think, think about what they’re thinking about, then decide which thought to act upon. We can feel hurt, pain, and shame on the inside, without any physical signs of its occurrence on the outside.

Men are physical, spiritual, and soulful beings, created to exhibit the most incredible works of the One who made all things. I’ve often wondered, why did God make us so emotional, or allow for us to feel things, some of which aren’t favorable. For example, losing something, or someone that holds a special place in your heart, brings a hurt that is unlike anything else. In the Bible, Jacob thought he had lost his “favorite” son, Joseph, which left a huge hole in his heart. This pain caused him to cling even more tightly to his youngest son, Benjamin. In the same way a physical scar heals, yet continues to reveal a scar, Jacob carried the scar of supposedly losing his son, for years (until he discovered he was actually alive).

Losing a loved one never feels good, especially if they left us with unresolved issues. For this reason, I advise all men to appreciate those who remain in your life, and love them unconditionally, because you never know when will be the last time you’ll see them. In addition, sympathize, and emphasize with those who may have lost someone dear to their hearts, because it’ll never be easy for them for the rest of their life.

We live this life for purpose and reason, but not too long, for only a season.

Ell

Real Love

John 14:18-24

If God is something, then that which God is, should be reverenced, respected, and imitated. The Bible declares throughout the scriptures (but more directly in 1 John 4:8), God is love. Allow your mind to ponder on that for a brief moment. If God is love, then that can aslo be translated, love is God. All your life, you’ve been under the impression that love is emotions, googly eyes, butterflies in your tummy, and all those attributes that are associated with things you like, but once you realize the true extent of what love really is, you’ll see life from a totally different perspective.

The true essence of love extends far beyond human emotions, and can be seen in action throughout history. God’s love is unlike that which the world operates in, because the love offered by the world is conditional, and usually comes with a price. Conversely, the love of the Father is unconditional, and is freely given to all men. The world abuses, misuses, and disrespects what real love stands for, but God continues to shower His endless love over all mankind. “For God so loved the world He gave…” (John 3:16a).

Love is comprised of a host of virtues including (but not limited to) sacrifice, patience, obedience, action, understanding, trust, commitment, and most importantly, humility. It’s because of God’s love, men can be saved from the eternal penalty of their sins. It’s because of God’s love, we can have a right to the tree of life we had lost access to, from Adam’s big mistake. It’s because of God’s love, we can come boldly before the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. It’s because of God’s love, I can have hope for a brighter tomorrow. It’s because of God’s love, the church can stand strong in the time of trouble, because the Holy Spirit will keep us encouraged. It’s because of God’s love, we who remain alive today, have opportunities to continue spreading the message of God’s life-changing Gospel.

When in sin, let love in, and allow it to make you all over again. God loves you, and I do too!

Keep your chin up… it’s easier to see Heaven that way,

Ell

Facing temptation, stay loyal to Christ

2 Thessalonians 2:1-12

If the apostle Paul, and men of God from the days of old, were living and preaching in today’s time, they would undoubtedly be the least popular of all preachers. Based on how watered down the Gospel message has become, hearing a Word from the Lord that is unadulterated, and sharper than any double-edged sword, would definitely stir up trouble in most modern-day churches. Rather than expound on prosperity, material wealth, and self exaltation, the ole’ school preachers would promote repentance, salvation, and the “day of Christ”. Seldom are churches warned of the coming of Christ, because most of the time spent in gatherings involve offerings, announcements, and misguided praise and worship. Church leaders have to stand firm on God’s Word, and refuse to give in to societal pressures, because the souls of the people they lead are dependent upon their wise counsel and leadership for their continued spiritual growth and development.

In light of the inevitable return of Christ, Paul, and those who accompanied him, assembled with the Thessalonian believers, to give warning and encouragement, because the times would soon become perilous. Despite how strong or founded the people were in godliness, they were to remain guarded against all evil. The first warning given was that the people guard their minds. The enemy is well aware that if he can penetrate into a man’s mind, the heart and soul will be his to control. Paul then admonished the church to protect their hearts, and keep their emotions in check, because there are many evil spirits that work to stir up men’s emotions, and cause them to waver in their faith. But, the church was advised to stand firm on what they believed, and allow their faith and trust in God’s power, to be the driving force that keeps them steadfast, and unmovable.

As we guard our hearts and minds against the wiles of satan, we must also be aware that some of our own brothers and sisters in the Lord will unfortunately fall away. (Sigh)…sad, but true. The devil has been very effective at deceiving men, and his tactics work well, even to this very day! Wickedness is prevalent in every country on the planet, and good people give up, and give in to the tricks of the enemy, but despite satan and his lying wonders, the people of God must stand together, and hold up the blood-stained banner of Christ Jesus, until He returns to take us with Him.

Walk in love,

Ell

The gift of Love

1 Corinthians 13

Of all the spiritual gifts granted to men by God, the greatest of them is, love. Every characteristic attributed to godliness is indeed effective, beneficial, and useful in fulfilling the will of God the Father, but none can even begin to have a positive impact, except love first abide to give it relevance. In the same way that an automobile joined together with all it’s essential, and non essential parts cannot perform effectively without gasoline to power its systems, faith, hope, patience, and all the other godly likenesses will remain ineffective unless love is present to give them purpose and power. God is love, and He extended His love to the world, so that we could share like passions as He does in our everyday living. God loads His people daily with blessings and benefits, but love is what makes those benefits worth operating in. All members in the body of Christ were bestowed gifts and talents intended to be used to win the lost, and edify the members of the body, but there are some who have lost focus on the purpose of their gift, and instead found pleasure in the attention their gifts bring to themselves, while excluding love from the equation. There are countless individuals operating in their gifts from a backslidden state, thus rendering their gifts useless and ineffective. It’s almost like owning a nice car that you constantly brag about to others, but can’t use it because you can’t afford to put gas in it. So, it stays parked in your garage collecting dust and cobwebs until it gets what it needs to become an effective commodity.

We live in a world where men are awed and dazzled by entertainment, while rejecting the simplicity of the Gospel message. Even modern churches tend to follow the world’s standard by showcasing the splendor of the big stage, as lights, smoke, and loud godless music fills their buildings. Although these methods may attract large audiences of souls seeking help, they do little to change men’s hearts, unless love runs the show. God’s love is many things the world today rarely makes mention of. While men define love based mostly on emotions and feelings, real love resides on a level far beyond carnal comprehension. Love is patient; never in a hurry, suffers long, and endures all things. Love never acts rashly or out of character, is consistent, and is never proud or puffed up. Love is generous, respectful, and not envious. Love is humble, doesn’t parade itself, and never gives up. Love is always polite, never rude or discourteous, and does not behave itself unseemly. Love is giving, not selfish, and only seeks good in others. Love hates sin, and doesn’t celebrate other’s downfalls. Love promotes the goodness of others, and is always slow to expose their wrongs. Love is sincere, always true, and knows how to be silent and listen.

Love is a gift like no other, and operating in it guarantees that your life will always produce fruit that is pleasing to the almighty God. The next time you consider blessing someone with a gift for a wedding, birthday, or other occasion, try giving them the gift of love, and enjoy the eternal benefits that will inevitably follow.

Walk in love,

Ell