The scientific method requires experimental results to be replicated with a high degree of reliability using the same methodology before the results can be recognized as scientific knowledge. The love of God must similarly be reproducible and transmissible to be regarded as sacred knowledge for us. “God is love” (1John 4:8,16 KJV). At its source, it has been revealed love comes from God. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Love was transmitted to humanity through the sacrificial death of the Son of God for the transgressions of man against God and man. “We love Him, because He first loved us” (1John 4:19). Our capacity to return love to God is engendered in us through His Spirit working in us. Once we discover in us “dwelleth no good thing” (Romans 7:18), then it becomes apparent that “it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). Accounting the Spirit of God to be the author of the love that comes from us, while we are fully engaged in willing and practicing it, is to “walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us” (Ephesians 5:2). “And this is love, that we walk after His commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it” (2John 1:6). LORD, work Your love in us, that we would have the practicing kind of religion that Alvin York (10:54) had. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Highest Love
Advice to Married Couples (Part 1)
“Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3 KJV). Regardless of any differences of gifts, accomplishments, or attainments, marriage is primarily walking together in agreement. Marriage does not work unless both attempt to walk together in agreement. Sensitivity to the other’s gifts or deficiencies must not hinder the attempt to walk together side by side, for marriage is a together walk in agreement. When either the husband or wife has a struggle maintaining their part of the together walk, then each must be sensitive to the needs of the other. Marriages will be strengthened, when each sees the other’s needs as an opportunity to minister, support, and fortify their spouse. Only when action must be taken, where there is a difference, should the husband exercise the veto power of headship. “For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and He [Christ] is the saviour of the body” (Ephesians 5:23 KJV). LORD, give us strong, Christian marriages in Your body. Amen.
Okay, What Is Love?
“God is love” (1John 4:8, 16). Love seeks God as its highest good. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind” (Matthew 22:37 KJV). Evidence of love for God is demonstrated by obedience to His commands. “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments: and His commandments are not grievous [Greek, barús, burdensome]” (1John 5:3). Proof of love toward man is to regard your neighbor as highly “as yourself” (Matthew 22:39 NIV). “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2 KJV). And, that law of Christ is to “love one another, as I have loved you” (John 13:34; 15:12). Love seeks the highest good of your neighbor as yourself. When the Spirit of God is dwelling in us, it is brought to pass that God will “move you to follow My decrees and be careful to keep My laws” (Ezekiel 36:27 NIV). LORD, make us glad to keep Your commandments, and help us gladly bare one another’s burdens. Amen.