Emotions will vary, but a commitment which has its basis in biblical love will not be affected by the whelm of emotion or of one’s circumstances.
Our example of true love is shown in God’s love for the sinner. Romans 5:8 says “. . .commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” The lost sinner living in rebellion and sin is still loved by the Lord. He loved us enough to die for us and pay our sin debt while we were sinning against Him. This shows that true biblical love is a matter of will….not of emotion. God choose to love us and His love was not based on our meriting it in any way.
1 John 4:8 tells us that “. . . God is love.”
BIBLICAL LOVE IS AN ACT OF THE WILL..NOT OF EMOTION.
Today many churches promote a “feel good” religion. It is meant to appeal to emotions. This has had the effect of turning people on to emotion and feeling instead of true spiritual biblical love and commitment. Many today are motivated by emotion rather than being motivated by a commitment to the Lord.
The Bible says we are to grow by the knowledge of the Word of God, not by religious experiences or feelings. Never in any of the Epistles does the New Testament tell us to seek emotional experiences and be guided by feelings. This is an important truth that is being ignored.
- In 1 Cor. 13:1-7, is called the love discourse. It is a comparison of love verses the selfishness of seeking “gifts.” Many miss the context of this passage. Paul was addressing the selfishness of the Corinthians in their seeking to obtain gifts of the Spirit that would draw attention to themselves. These misguided individuals were seeking to be “seen” rather than to serve God. Paul was saying their seeking gifts from God was not motivated by love of God or of love of others. By the way dear friend, nothing is changed in that area….it is still going on today in spite of Paul’s strong three chapter explanation of the matter.
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- A. LOVE IS PATIENT. V4 (Long suffering) Even when you feel like forcefully expressing yourself. Love bears pain or trails without complaint, shows forbearance under provocation or strain, and is steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity.B. LOVE IS KIND. V4 Even when you want to retaliate physically or tear down another with your words. Love is sympathetic, considerate, gentle and agreeable.C. LOVE IS NOT JEALOUS. V4 (envieth not) Especially when you are aware that others are being noticed more than you. Love does not participate in rivalry, is not hostile toward one believed to enjoy an advantage, and is not suspicious. Love works for the welfare and good of the other.
D. LOVE DOES NOT BRAG. V4 (vaunteth not itself) Even when you want to tell the world about your accomplishments. Love does not flaunt itself boastfully and does not engage in self-glorification. Instead, love lifts and builds up others.
E. LOVE IS NOT ARROGANT. V4 (is not puffed up) Even when you think you are right and others are wrong. Love does not assert itself or become overbearing in dealing with others.
F. LOVE IS DOES NOT ACT UNBECOMINGLY. V5 (Does not behave seemly) Even when being boastful, rude or overbearing will get you attention and allow you to get your own way. Love conforms to what is right, fitting and appropriate to the situation in order to honor the Lord.
G. LOVE DOES NOT SEEK ITS OWN. V5 Biblical love is not selfish and self seeking. True Love does not try to fulfill its own desires, does not ask for its own way, and does not try to acquire gain for itself. Love, is an act of the will which seeks to serve and not be served.
H. LOVE IS NOT PROVOKED. V5 Even when others attempt to provoke you or you are tempted to strike out at something or someone. Love is not aroused or incited to outbursts of anger. Love continues faithfully and gently to train others in righteousness, even when they fail.
I. LOVE DOES NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT A WRONG SUFFERED. V5 (thinketh no evil) Even when everyone seems to be against you or when people openly attack you. Love does not hold a grudge against someone. Love forgives, chooses not to bring up past wrongs in accusation or retaliation, does not return evil for evil, and does not indulge in self pity. Love covers a multitude of sins.
J. LOVE DOES NOT REJOICE IN UNRIGHTEOUSNESS. V6 (rejoiceth not in iniquity) Even when it seems like a misfortune was exactly what another person deserved. Love mourns over sin, its effects and the pain which results from living in a fallen world. Love seeks to reconcile others with the Lord.
K. LOVE REJOICES WITH THE TRUTH. V6 Even when it is easier and more profitable materially to lie. Love is joyful when truth is known, even when it may lead to adverse circumstances, reviling and persecution.
L. LOVE BEARS ALL THINGS. V7 Even when disappointments seem overwhelming. Love is tolerant, endures with others who are difficult to understand or deal with, and has an eternal perspective in difficulties. Love remembers that God develops spiritual maturity through difficult circumstances.
M. LOVE BELIEVES ALL THINGS. V7 Even when other’s actions are ambiguous and you feel like not trusting anyone. Love accepts trustfully, does not judge people’s motives, and believes others until facts prove otherwise. Even when facts prove that the other person is untrustworthy, love seeks to help restore the other to trustworthiness.
N. LOVE HOPES ALL THINGS. V7 Even when nothing appears to be going right. Love expects fulfillment of God’s plan and anticipates the best for the other person. Love confidently entrusts others to the Lord to do His sovereign and perfect will in their lives.
O. LOVE ENDURES ALL THINGS. V7 This is one of the hardest to practice. Especially when you think you just can’t endure the people or circumstances in your life. Love remains steadfast under suffering or hardship without yielding and returns good while undergoing trials.
P. LOVE NEVER FAILS. V8 Even when you feel overwhelmed and the situation seems hopeless. Love will not crumble under pressure or difficulties. Love remains selflessly faithful even to the point of death.
LOVE CHARACTERIZES THE LIFE OF A DISCIPLE OF CHRIST.What is the practical application of this truth?1. Because God save you…you get up on Sunday morning, Sunday evening, Wednesday night and go to the place the church meets to worship God and study together. God commanded it (Heb. 10:25), therefore you obey the Lord.2. Because God loved you and saved you from Hell, you put everything of the world second….and Jesus Christ first in all things (Col. 1:18)3. Because God loved you and forgave you sins…you seek to win your neighbor, friend, co-worker, and the stranger to the Lord.4. Because God loved you…be in thanksgiving; tithe and give your offerings that the work of the Lord might be done.5. Because God loved you…you love and seek to serve your brethren in the church…You overlook their short comings and frailty. You do not criticized them and seek God’s best for them.6. Because God loved you first.. and suffered and died for you…you willing will sacrifice you all for Him.CONCLUSION:1. TO THE LOST: REALIZE THAT THE ULTIMATE DISPLAY AND EXAMPLE OF LOVE IS GOD’S GRACE. HE LOVED AND DIED FOR YOU. WILL YOU REJECT YOUR SAVIORS LOVE YOU…OR RUN TO HIM FOR FORGIVENESS.2. FOR THE SAVED: MAKE THAT COMMITMENT: I WILL LOVE, I WILL DO WHAT GOD WANTS ME.So do we love Him enough to where we will lay our life down as He did for us? To carry our cross daily -Luke 14:27; Die daily to our flesh? – 1 Cor 15:31.~ Be Ready, Stay Focused & Never Look Back ~ - A. LOVE IS PATIENT. V4 (Long suffering) Even when you feel like forcefully expressing yourself. Love bears pain or trails without complaint, shows forbearance under provocation or strain, and is steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity.B. LOVE IS KIND. V4 Even when you want to retaliate physically or tear down another with your words. Love is sympathetic, considerate, gentle and agreeable.C. LOVE IS NOT JEALOUS. V4 (envieth not) Especially when you are aware that others are being noticed more than you. Love does not participate in rivalry, is not hostile toward one believed to enjoy an advantage, and is not suspicious. Love works for the welfare and good of the other.
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Reblogged this on His Words Are Kisses and commented:
This really blessed me so much & melted my heart so I wanted to share it. I hope it blesses you too. Precious truth always comes like a warm blanket in the freezing cold when you need it most.
Thanks Dana! It has touched my heart as well:>