What this means:
Of all the definitions of God in Scripture, this one is at the top, which means that as we continue to ENGAGE, we might revisit this one a few times. For the time being, suffice it to say that GOD LOVES US and expects us to LOVE him and others.
The Bible says
Anyone who does not love does not know God,
for God is love.
Anyone who does not love does not know God,
for God is love.
1 John 4:8
That sure doesn't leave a lot of room for argument. But what does it mean to love, we might ask?
Well, the Bible answers that as well. Perhaps the greatest definition of love is found in 1 Corinthians 13. This passage tells us that no matter what else we get right, even if we have the most amazing faith, ("faith that can move mountains"), even if we have the most fantastic prayer life, and we've never missed a day of church, IF WE DON'T HAVE LOVE, none of that counts.
Well, the Bible answers that as well. Perhaps the greatest definition of love is found in 1 Corinthians 13. This passage tells us that no matter what else we get right, even if we have the most amazing faith, ("faith that can move mountains"), even if we have the most fantastic prayer life, and we've never missed a day of church, IF WE DON'T HAVE LOVE, none of that counts.
ACTION:
1. Read 1 Corinthians 13.
2. Read verses 4-7 again, except this time, replace the word love with your name: instead of "love is patient, love is kind," read "Jonathan is patient, Jonathan is kind." etc. (except with your name of course!). Reflect on the truth of what you read. Remember, nothing else counts if none of this is true!
2. Read verses 4-7 again, except this time, replace the word love with your name: instead of "love is patient, love is kind," read "Jonathan is patient, Jonathan is kind." etc. (except with your name of course!). Reflect on the truth of what you read. Remember, nothing else counts if none of this is true!
3. Determine some specific changes that need to be made in your life based on what you just read.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
(these are intended to help get discussion started - please do not feel confined to these questions: comment as you like!)
How did it feel to read the passage with your name in it? The passage from 1 John is pretty intense, what do you think of this passage? Is it hard to read?
Ouch! I've read the "love" chapter before, but never w/my name in it. I have work to do!
ReplyDeleteWow...that's crazy. like julie said work def. needs to take place. it makes me think that THAT is what God expects from me and i'm waaaay far from where He wants me to be. oh boy, i've got work to do too Julie!!
ReplyDeleteWell... would you look at that that is just how Im (NOT) living. Why don't we all try to help each other out by removing the NOT. It will take some time and lots of love,patients, and kindness (Is kindness a word?) but we can do it.
ReplyDeletedid anyone notice that in verse 7 it said "love perserveres"? stick your name in there and you get ____ perserveres. that was a great uplifting lightbulb moment for me right there. I PERSERVERE. even when i think i can't do it, its going to happen bc God said. no doubt about it. even if it seems like it's going to take forever I WILL PERSERVERE. no matter what. it WILL happen.
ReplyDelete