November 30, 2016 HEARTS BEING ESTABLISHED
1 Thessalonians 3:12-13: “and may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all men, just as we also do for you; so that He may establish your hearts unblamable in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints.”
Some may see the scriptures as a book of laws, or principles that one must one by one ‘work on,’ or strive to keep, but in reality they feel they are never quite able to measure up to the task. It is certainly true that the scriptures contain many instructions for life, and one is wise to see the bible as a guide for life. As we consider how we are to live according to all the commands of scripture, we may feel overwhelmed with the challenge; however, there is an amazing truth that reveals the path, and enables us to live according to the gospel. Because we hear so often that “God is love,” we may lose the far-reaching impact and the power of the love of God. One of the fundamental verses, and truth of the scriptures, is expressed in the familiar passage, John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” In 1 John 4:8 we see that God is love: “The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” Human love is based on selfish motives and desires, whereas God’s loved is based on pure motives and a desire to bless others, whether they deserve it or not, and with no strings attached. As believers, we can experience His love personally, and we can be expressions of His love to others, as we see in Romans 5:5: “the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” When we know and experience the love of God, to follow His commands and teachings is our delight, and it becomes natural for us to walk in His ways. Seeing His commands as a list of things we must do to please Him, and feeling that it is impossible to keep them, is a sure sign that one does not know the love of God. The love of God at work in us leads to peace, hope, righteousness, unity, and words and actions that build up. Galatians 5:14 reveals an amazing truth: “For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” It is the Holy Spirit that reveals the love of God in our hearts, and when live by the Spirit, and not according to the flesh, we then find ourselves being expressions of His love and we find ourselves naturally keeping and honoring His commands and teachings. Finally, note that we are to “increase and abound in love for one another.” Our love for others is not to plateau, but is to be increasing, and even abounding! Yes, God IS LOVE, and His love enables us to live according to the gospel. His love sets us free to be who He designed us to be! Rather than seeing the scriptures as laws to keep, may we see the scriptures as being a description, or revelation of who we are in Him.
1 Corinthians 13:4-5: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”
Blessings,
Buddy
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