"Dear friends, let us love one another for love
comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born
of God and knows God." 1 John 4:7
Did you know that there are 59 "one another" references in the Bible? Ways we are to care for those outside of self. I am concerned that we are not doing well...we are such a self-centered society, our main focus is on "me" and what my needs are. As you might imagine, the Greek word for this kind of love (there are 3 other Greek words for love in the New Testament) is agape which is the highest form of love...the way God loves us...selfless...charitable.
Another place the same word is used is in Hebrews 10:24:
"Let us consider how we may spur one another on
toward LOVE and good deeds..."
Women: are you dressing to encourage or entice? Men: is your language encouraging someone? Children: are you being kind to someone who snubs you? We don't see "love and good deeds" as a worthy goal portrayed in movies or TV shows. I would like to be viewed as a positive role model in Biblical terms and I would like to encourage someone today toward righteous living...not living to indulge self. Unless we know God's word, we will listen to how the world defines that.
On this Valentine's Day, let us be part of the "Charitable LOVE gives" campaign. How are you loving today?
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!
For further study: Proverbs 17:17, Matthew 19:19, John 15:17, Romans 12:9, Romans 13:8, 1 Corinthians 13, 1 Cor. 16:14, Galatians 5:13, 1 Peter 1:22, 1 John 4:19.
Be blessed in your understanding of God's love.
Love,
Holly
