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Love

"Keep yourselves in the love of God…" Jude 1:21

I write to you this day exhausted but filled with love.  We just completed our regional Iron Sharpens Iron Men’s Conference this past weekend in Spokane.  As the sponsoring organization, our staff had the responsibility of handling all the logistics surrounding this major program.

Along with Phil and Paul Downer, Rick Caldwell of Men’s Fraternity, and our own James Steiner, it was my privilege to speak three times during this conference.  We praise God that the program and messages were well received by those in attendance.  The thing that inspired us most was the willingness of most men to deepen their love and faith in our Lord and Savior.  That fills me with love.

When it comes to focus in our lives, our Lord makes it clear that of all his commandments, "the greatest of these is love." (1 Corinthians 13:1) No other topic is mentioned and discussed more in the Bible. Loving can be both a joy and a challenge.

It is vital to our joy, peace of mind, comfort, and ability to meet the many challenges life brings to feel God’s love.  The words “God is Love” mean that love is an essential attribute of God.  Love is something true of God but it is not all there is to God.  It expresses the way God is in His character. Love permeates the Father and under girds His being.  It is important to remember that we do not want to worship love but rather He who is love. If we worship love then we risk becoming idolaters.

It is through the knowledge of God’s other attributes that we can fully appreciate how much He loves us. We know that because He is self-existent and eternal, His love has no beginning or end.  God is infinite, having no limits; therefore, His love is boundless in form.  The Holiness of God suggests that His love is pure and undefiled in any way.

Love wills goodness.  When we are affected with love for another person we search for the goodness in their lives.  Love accentuates the positives and forgets the negatives.  Because of God’s great love He forgets our sinful acts and rejoices in our good works.  The Psalmist reminds us, “Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you are good,” O LORD.  Psalm 25:7

While the world directs attention to romantic love on one special holiday, St. Valentine's Day, we believe that loving one another is a reflection of one's fundamental values. Practically applying love in and for life requires commitment, growth and sometimes help. 

As we study God’s word, accept His many blessings, and show our love to others - let’s remember the greatest act of love the world has ever known.  “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  John 3:16

Have a great week and one filled with love.  Jim