Purpose and Loving God

[superdave]

I know that our purpose is to Love God, and to Love Others- it's so simple it's hard. Sometimes when I am getting in this mode of doing, doing , and doing things- I am loosing the Love I have for God- And to be honest to you- I don't really know HOW to love God. It's weird- because I do love him, but sometimes I loose the feeling- I guess its because I get in a religious spirit mode of trying to please- that I do not see. Does that make sense? I feel his love when I worship him, and pray to him-but after that- it seems to leave me. I want his power within me all the time. I remember a couple months ago- I just felt extreme love for God- You know that feeling, when you have a crush on someone? And there is nothing else on your mind? And then all the sudden the things from the world come in and blindslide you. I don't know why it happens like this.

And Loving People- I say I love people all the time. Well, I sometimes cannot break from being outgoing around others- I don't know- I guess it's shame- or something. But when I go home, around my old friends it seems to dissapear- I am talking, having a good time. When I get around my new friends- I have a hard time. Why is this? I want to feel love for others- the same way I feel love about everyone. I don't know- what do you guys think is the problem behind this?

I am a little confused

 

[sparrow1029]

Ahh, the answer to your question might be simpler (and more complex) than you think. See, the love that God wants from you isn't so much a feeling, as an action. Believe me, if this command required feeling certain ways toward others, then I'd be in big trouble too. I'd say, check 1 Cor. 13 for the description of the love God wants. The thing to keep in mind is that acting with 1 Cor 13 love is impossible unless its coming from God through you. And, another thing I have found is that when I act in this way toward others (even others I don't feel all warm and fuzzy toward), eventually my emotions do follow. The emotion of love has its place, but its not necessary to carry out this particular command. Hope that helps!

 

[Brooke]

I agree with Sparrow1029. And I feel the same way sometimes too. I get all cool and feeling grat about God when we're worshipping at church, or I'm praying, and all of a sudden ten minutes later when I'm doing my own thing the feeling is completely gone and I wonder if the love is really there or not.

 

[snotling]

Human beings are social animals, our love depends on complicated chemical patterns travelling in our brain. It is difficult to love something which has no physical form. I really wouldn't worry about it. I'm sure god understands this.

 

[tinkerbell]

I totally know where you're comming from - I felt that way not to long ago. I had a pastor speak on this very topic one time and he gave a wonderful illustration. He used his marriage. He loves his wife very much (anyone who knows the two knows this fact to be very true.) It is for that reason that he married her. However, he doesn't wake up each morning with this burning feeling inside for her. Somedays he doesn't feel close to her at all. But does that mean he loves her any less? Of course not!! Just because you don't FEEL "of fire for God" does not mean that you are any farther away from Him or that you don't love Him. In fact, I would wonder if someone told me they always feel super duper in their spiritual walk with now stumbling blocks at all!
The other thing that I heard you say is that you get into a mode of pleasing. I couldn't tell if you ment pleasing other people or what. There is a major differance in pleasing others and loving them. Jesus loved everyone, but there were MANY he did not please here on earth. This is something I struggled with for a long time, and still struggle with at times. It is important to pray - sometimes hourly - that God take over in your life and that He will guide you to do the things that will make Him happy and that will point others to Him rather than you or anyone/thing else. It's amazing to see how much of a change God will make on your heart. It won't be immediate - I can garentee. One day you'll just nottice it. God will do amazing things if you surrender yourself to him like that, than you will be able to ginuinley love others as well.
It's very natural to act differantly around differant groups of people. You don't know your new friends as well, so you naturally won't be as open with them. That is part of life and it's not a bad thing at all, so don't sweat it.
There is a book that you should read - I read it and it really helped me a BUNCH. It's called "Steps to Christ" if you're intrested, e-mail me and I will give you information about how to get a copy (author etc.). I will keep you in my prayers!!
God Bless