I John 3:10

[Gerry]

What do you think of when you think of love? Indifference? Is it that you could care less if you see or hear from anyone ever again? Is that what you think of when you think of love?

Do you marry someone because you could care less? Is that love? I know there are as many different ideas about what love is as there are members of these forums! But what does the Word teach us that love is? I think THAT is what we need to understand!

Here's why: I John 3:10: "Here we have a clear indication as to who are the children of God and who are the children of the devil. The man who does not lead a good life is no son of God, nor is the man who fails to love his brother." JBP

"In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother."

That is very plain in any translation. If you do not love your brother, you are NOT of God. Those are not my words. Those words are from the Written Word of God.

That is why we need to understand what love is and if we do NOT love our brother, we need to see where we stand with God! God has given us a love for our Family. If you don't find it in your heart, find out why!

 

[GraftMeIn]

I have to agree Gerry, One of the most important things is that we Love one another the same way Christ Loves us.

I speak from experience when I say that knowing how important this is, I had to ask God to show me how to forgive my brother, and I also was so worried about any hate or anger building up in my heart against him that I asked the Lord not to let it. And he answered that prayer in a way I can't even explain!

 

[Gerry]

Yes indeed! It is sometimes extremely hard to forgive. Especially when you are dealing with betrayal, or those who seek only your hurt or destruction.

I think the way we are able to forgive others is by making a conscious decision to love. After all it is a choice we make. To love or not to love. If we choose to love, forgiveness will pour forth.

Love and fogiveness go together like male and female. They were made for one another. There is NO WAY you can love and NOT forgive.

This happened to a Pastor friend of mine recently, and because he chose to love and fogive God took what was meant for evil and turned it into GOOD!

May God help us and strengthen us and fill us with more and more love and forgiveness for all men, especially those who desire our harm or destruction. May we see them through the eyes of Jesus and love them and forgive them and seek their salvation.

There are many fringe benefits to love and forgiveness. It eliminates stress and strain and the horrible side effects produced by a decided lack of love.
We are, therefore, healthier physically, emotionally, and most importantly, Spiritually.

 

[GraftMeIn]

Sure does make us healthier all the way around when we choose to Love and forgive.

To Love and forgive brings much peace, comfort, and understanding to our hearts.

To hate and be angry can only cause a constant burning and turmoil inside our hearts.

There's a song that Jeff Healy does, and although he didn't write it, and he's not a Christian artist I think the song speaks loud about forgiveness with these lyrics...

You've got to let it all go, so it don't burn a hole in your heart.

 

[Gerry]

Yes, healthier, emotionally, physically, and Spiritually. I have had yet another lesson in love and forgiveness this very day, and find I simply can live no other way any longer.