Wednesday 10 February 2016

A Proponent of Love

A proponent of Love

“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. 
Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” 
                                                                                                           Proverbs 3:3,4
Here is a message I want all Christians to hear.
“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. “ Proverbs 3:3.
And the reason we should do this
“...you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” Proverbs 3:4.
What are the characteristics of Love? The apostle Paul tells us that saying,
“Love is patient, love is kind.
 It does not envy, it does not boast, 
it is not proud.  
It is not rude, 
it is not self-seeking, 
it is not easily angered, 
it keeps no record of wrongs. 
Love does not delight in evil 
but rejoices with the truth.  
It always protects,
 always trusts,
 always hopes,
 always perseveres. 
Love never fails....
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.
 But the greatest of these is love.”  
                                                                           1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13.
You cannot have true Christian love if you are not showing the characteristics of Love Paul is talking about.
Paul knew a lot about showing love especially in difficult circumstances. He was stoned and left for dead by men that hated him. He was thrown in prison, he shipwrecked and had faced many troubles in his life as a Christian.
He was persecuted under the emperor Nero a man who killed Christians in most hideous ways. Yet Paul could write,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone....
On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”   
                                                                         Romans 12:18,20,21.
He also wrote,
“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.  
“Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.”  
                                                                                         Romans 13:1,2.
The apostle Peter backs up Paul saying.
“Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 
                                                                          1 Peter 2:11,12.
The writer of Hebrews said,
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” 
         Hebrews 12:14.
Jesus and the apostles in all situations showed love to all people. They did not protest against anything. They were known for their love.
Dear Christian
Are you known for your unconditional love? Is the church you attend showing unconditional love?  Are all people welcomed equally by you and the church you attend? Would a man who lives on the street who enters smelling badly be welcome at your Sunday Service? How about a gay man or woman?
Again I ask you, do you show love?
Please think about it.

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