Love like Jesus

 

Basic advice...

 

Show love today

 

Showing His love

 

Greetings.....

 

A healthy fear...

 

God is love

Do we "love God"?

I love God!

Why love God? Why not is the better question! How can we not love God makes even more sense!

We love Him because he first loved us! (1 John 4:19).

Many of us throw the word love around a lot. 

• "I love you." 
• "I love you more." 
• "I loved you first!"

Well, God can tell us all that He loved us first and more than anyone ever could love anyone!

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

Once we learn to love God, it makes life make sense. We can navigate through the ups and downs of life knowing our Creator loves us despite ourselves and this world. We can turn to Him for encouragement, forgiveness, confidence, and peace. 

I love God . . . Do you love God? 

Choose love over hate . . .Celebrating Black HIStory '24

Have you been mistreated lately? Has someone misrepresented you? Are you angry? Do you want to get even . . . get some payback? Hold on a minute . . .  Let's take a look at HIStory and God's Word! Choose love over hate!

As a theologian, Martin Luther King reflected often on his understanding of nonviolence. He described his own “pilgrimage to nonviolence” in his first book, Stride Toward Freedom, and in subsequent books and articles. “True pacifism,” or “nonviolent resistance,” King wrote, is “a courageous confrontation of evil by the power of love” (King, Stride, 80). Both “morally and practically” committed to nonviolence, King believed that “the Christian doctrine of love operating through the Gandhian method of nonviolence was one of the most potent weapons available to oppressed people in their struggle for freedom” (King, Stride, 79; Papers 5:422). King was first introduced to the concept of nonviolence when he read Henry David Thoreau’s Essay on Civil Disobedience as a freshman at Morehouse College. Having grown up in Atlanta and witnessed segregation and racism every day, King was “fascinated by the idea of refusing to cooperate with an evil system”

Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:17-21) 

Choose love over hate!
 

Love . . . Love . . . Love . . . always LOVE!

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. (1 Corinthians 13:1-8)

How is love defined? Ask folks in this world and we will receive a myriad of answers . . . what is your definition of love?

My definition comes from the bible: (1 John 4:8)He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. ("Dios es amor.")

Could you imagine if every time we said "I love you" it came with the meaning of God's love? Patience, humility, kindness, respect, unselfish, sacrificial, truthful, hopeful and enduring . . . what a world in which to live as opposed to selfishness, disrespect, anger, hostility, pride, deceit, and woe is me attitudes. 

Love wins. It will always win. God wins! try love today.🤟

Been hurt?

Been hurt before . . . by a friend, relative, co-worker, maybe even a family member . . . a parent? Forgiving those who hurt us is the key to happiness and inner peace. 

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. (Colossians 3:12-15)

As my father turns 90 tomorrow, I read a great scripture this morning. Wouldn't you know that God knew too! My parents were old school for sure. Mom always had my back and was always there for me. Dad was more coach than anything else. I never remember hearing "I love you" from them, or even getting a hug. I am sure I had to have experienced that at least once, but I can't recall! I do however, recall the anger, screaming and actual fighting!  

Now that Mom has been gone for seven years, Dad is alone in senior living. It is a challenge to even visit, but I am trying to honor my father as we are instructed in scripture. I am also instructed to forgive . . . for my own peace of mind . . . and pray I do better! 

https://youtu.be/rlxFee1mRtE?si=94q_skWBdSPsJbal

So, Dad, I forgive you for not being what I wanted and needed . . . even to this day. I pray for your salvation more than anything. I desire His peace for us both!

To judge or not to judge . . .

"Don't judge me!" How many times do we hear that today . . . even from believers? What did Jesus say about judging? To judge or not to judge . . . .

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. (Matthew 7:1-5)

You see, believers are to judge one another, but in the context of love. We must correct one another in the Body, but the sinful world we must simply share the love of Christ until they come to know Him. (1 Corinthians 5). We have to be careful to correct (judge) our fellow believers in love, knowing we too are sinful and not perfect. Our goal is not to embarrass or belittle anyone, but to encourage each other to live righteously before God.

It is also clear that if the believer refuses to listen, then we are to avoid that person and pray for him to change. Leave that person for God to deal with him.

“Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector. (Matthew 18:15-17)

Reputation is important, but integrity last forever

Reputation is important, but integrity lasts forever.

But the fruit the Holy Spirit produces is love, joy and peace. It is being patient, kind and good. It is being faithful and gentle and having control of oneself. There is no law against things of that kind.  Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed their sinful desires to his cross. They don’t want these things anymore.  Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.  Let us not become proud. Let us not make each other angry. Let us not want what belongs to others. (Galatians 5:22-26 NIrV)

Let me explain . .  .

What people think about us . . . our reputation . . . is indeed important. We can be know to be punctual. We can be known as trustworthy. We can be known as kind, giving, and friendly. Yet it only takes one harsh word or a misunderstood text, email, or an on-line post, and our reputation is tarnished . . . perhaps for good.

Yet God knows who we really are. He knows who we are when we are home alone and when we are in public. He knows how we act in church and how we act at work. What God knows about us in our integrity! People may not like us because we do not curse. hey may give us the side eye when we talk about God and His work within our lives and others'. They may even shun us and speak ill of us when we are not present. Our reputation may not be so good with people, yet with God we are in good standing . . . for eternity!

How is your reputation compared to your integrity today? While we do all we can to be friendly and help others, there are some things we just cannot do as CHRISTians and some things we cannot do without! We cannot love God and the world!

What God knows matters!

As I look back . . . Part II

The decision to become a CHRISTian is easy. Who in their right mind would choose hell over eternal life with our Creator God and Savior anyway? The challenge is following Christ after we make the decision to become a Christ follower. 

As I look back on the past school year, I wonder how many of the students who claimed to be CHRISTian actually are? For that matter, who are the genuine CHRISTians? It really concerns me. The world has such a grip on us all.

We may never know until we get to see Jesus for ourselves and look around . . . .

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. (1 John 2:15-17)

The Obama's love story . . . Honoring Black HIStory '23

As dazzling as our President’s words and leadership have been, it’s his public displays of affection for First Lady Michelle Obama, and their children, that has touched millions in more emotional ways. They met in the summer of 1988 at the law firm where they worked. It was love sweet love and the two would go on to forge an unbreakable bond and ride their version of the American dream right to the gates of the White House.

This Valentine's Day 2023 we honor God of course, because He is LOVE! 💗 The Bible tells us that, Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. (1 John 4:8) We also honor a couple that not only led the Nation with dignity, but did not hide their love and affection for one another. 

No matter the publicity, no matter the job, no matter the position one may hold, love for God and love for people always wins the day. For the married couples today, be sure to show your love for your spouse for others to see. Our youth need to see love in action!

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.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

💖💗

Sharing Christ-Part V: How do I share Christ?

 As we go through the days leading up to Thanksgiving, I am preparing myself and Lord willing, my students to be looking forward to not only food, football, and family, but also helping someone find Christ! I have discussed the what, when, and why, but how do I share Christ? 

Regardless of what some may say, there is no set process or procedure. While we do in fact have a handbook . . . God's Word . . . there is no cookie-cutter outline or plan. One cannot predict what circumstance will occur or what people one may encounter. I believe openness and willingness is the key!

Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. (Colossians 4:2-4)

We must be open to how, when and where the Lord leads us. We must also be open to whom He leads us. As Paul writes above, we also must be in prayer constantly about sharing the Gospel. Finally, we must be willing to share, not embarrassed or timid. 

Sharing the Gospel is not a one day event or a short term trip . . . It is a life style! The way I live shares Christ!

Have we ever made someone feel "less than"?

 Ever feel excluded or slighted? Have you felt like the wall flower at the high school dance? Maybe you weren't picked for the team or not chosen to be in the popular group at school? 

These are real feelings and they happen to real people. They are not fun for sure.

However, have you ever thought that you and I may be treating others the same way at times? Have we overlooked someone? Have we ever made someone feel less than? t can happen very easily. We get caught up in the moment and do not realize the one on the outside . . . feeling lonely, unloved, left out.

Today, let's be intentional to include people . . . value people . . . make someone feel worthy. Let's treat others the way we want to be treated!

Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. (Matthew 7:12)

Treasure

What are your priorities? What things do you treasure? Is it your career? Is it your bank account? Perhaps family . . . cars . . . house . . . even sports for some. We know the Bible says that: 

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:21)

The things you spend the most time and money on are your treasures! Many guys spend hours cleaning up their cars and making sure it is always showroom clean. Other folks are so intent on building up bank accounts and retirement funds that they live for the next dollar. Some, even our youth, are so fixated on sports that it embodies their entire life. Families can even absorb so much of our attention that we get lost in everyone's else's life and activities that we find ourselves drowning.

Where does that leave God? While some of the things mentioned are not bad, if they keep us from God it is not good! As believers, God must be first . . . our priority! As Jesus called many to follow Him, He too calls each of us. Some are called away from their comfortable lifestyles as missionaries and ministry leaders, but we ALL are called to follow Christ. (Matthew 19:27)He must be our treasure!

Do we love God above all other things and people? Where is your treasure today? 

We are His beloved!

My beloved has gone to his garden,
To the beds of spices,
To feed his flock in the gardens,
And to gather lilies. I am my beloved’s
and my beloved is mine.
He feeds his flock among the lilies. (Song of Solomon 6:2-3)

While these verses and the entire Song of Solomon may be the most romantic writing in the Bible, wonderful for husbands and wives to read and share together, it is ultimately the love story between God and His unique creation; mankind!

We are His beloved . . . made in His image for His glory! He created us in His image and placed inside of us His Spirit so we could intimately commune with Him. God and man are the original soul mates if you would!

One can never really know love unless they know the love of God. God is love. (1 John 4:8) He is perfect example of care, sacrifice, protection, provision and relationship. Once we become intimate with God, it becomes easier to become intimate with our spouse!

Think on this for a while: You and I are God's beloved . . .  and He is ours as well!