" LOVE ONE ANOTHER"

[doc329]

A new commandment I give you; love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. All men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another. [ John 13:34-35 ]
Other religions may imitate Christian beliefs and behavior, but the one factor that is distinctive about Christianity is LOVE, the love of God made real in our hearts and relationships by the Holy Spirit.
The Greeks knew all about sexual love, about natural family affection, about the special bond between husband and wife, but the word which comes 250 times in the New Testament isn't the the word for any of those kinds of love. "It's AGAPE Love", which speaks of the love of God which is supremely concerned for the highest good of the other; personal love which gives and gives and gives; a love that is willing to lay down its life for the benefit of others; above all, shown by Jesus himself, especially when he died for us that we might be forgiven.
Such love can also be seen among Christians when the Holy Spirit is working in our midst. Many today remain unconvinced about spiritual realities simply because they do not see this love which should always be the outstanding mark of a Christian.

 

[jesusfreak3786]

That is so true. Thet verse is one of my favorites, Love can be applyed to any problem.

 

[The Story Teller]

I define that kind of Love as the Love a child has for their parents..

 

[Serenity Now!]

A beautiful commandment to remember at a divided time in America. May we all remember to love one another no matter what the results of this election.


Thank you

 

[jerry ralph]

A study of the Word of God is the study of agapeology (don't you just LOVE that word?).................nice devotion thanks for sharing.........jerry ralph

 

[Maharg]

I've been told a lot lately to love myself. Des this fit into the concept of agape? I have spent the majority of my adult life serving others: teaching, youth work, counselling etc., but I have become depressed lately after a series of difficult events, and a number of people questioning my character. I'm finding it hard to see any good in myself and am finding it harder than usual to love others.

Do I need to love myself first, and if I do, is this agape love? I find it all very confusing, as I have never thought about loving myself before. It feels selfish and self-centred and I don't really know how to do it. Does Jesus ask us to love ourselves?

 

[doc329]

Hello Maharg

Christians experence a different kind of love in their relationship with God, The love of which they spoke ond wrote in the New Testament was not some abstract virtue out of Greek thought. It was a love that had been defined by God's action in sending Jesus Christ into the world. It was a love that reached out to those who did not deserve it, a love that put the interest of others first, a love that forgave people and started over with them, and a love that sacrificed itself for others. It means that it is a caring, forgiving, spontaneous, redeeming love which is the essence of God's nature. Love yourself and then show that love to others.
My Prayer
I pray heavenly Father in Jesus name that the Holy Spirit will dwell with you and give you the love and peace you are longing for.
I pray that the Holy Spirit will help you and guide you in your love of God to others.