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To Know Him Is to Love Him
More years ago than I care to remember there was a popular song that went like this: "To know, know, know him, is to love, love, love him; and I do." It had a catchy tune and sounded romantic. After all, when you're in love with someone, you want to know all there is to know about that person. The more you get to know that person, the more you're likely to love him/her.
That's the way it is with God's Love. You cannot give unconditional love unless you have it, and you don't know you have it until you give it away. You see, God's kind of love is very patient and kind. It is not envious, proud, or hypocritical, and does not seek self-satisfaction, exasperation or evil thoughts. It hates wrong-doing, but always rejoices in the truth. Love will endure much, being ever faithful, hopeful, and dependable. (1Cor.13: 4-8)
Is that a tall order, or what! If you are to measure up to that definition of love, than you may be tempted to give up before you start, right? It's no wonder that so many marriages, partnerships, friendships and families are broken up every day!
The big question is, how can you ever be so much in love forever, even when the other person's love grows cold? Could you love someone who does not know you and you know is far from perfect? Your answer to that might be: "Only God could do that!"
Well, guess what? While you were yet a sinner, Christ died for you! (Rom. 5: 9) In fact, you love Him, because He first loved you! You see, God is Love. That's who He is! Without Him there is no real Love. If you should say that you love God, yet at the same time hate your brother, you would be lying. Why? Well, how could you not love your brother whom you see and know, and love God whom you have not seen? Therefore, if you really love God, then you would love your brother as well! (1 John 4: 19-21)
That's why there is really only one Commandment: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself." In fact, Jesus added that, if you obey that commandment, you will live! (Luke 10: 27-28) That's interesting! I had never quite noticed that last part before! If you strive to live your life filled with God's love, then you will truly live a full, wonderful life here on earth as well as an everlasting life!
Are you sure that you have everlasting life? Do you know God? You will come to love Him more and more by spending daily quality time with Him in His Word.
"Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as he is, so are we in this world." (1 John 4: 15-17)
Be encouraged, friend. If you are struggling with love, go to God and ask Him to help you. Jesus promises that if you stay close to Him and read and meditate on His Word, you can ask whatever you want, and it shall be done for you! (John 15: 7) and: "If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode wit him." (John 14: 23)
About the Author: Ann Stewart, inspirational author of With Wings As Eagles, also syndicates a weekly newsletter Embracing All the Promises of God. For inspiration, hope, faith and joy for daily living, subscribe here: http://www.lifealteringwords.com
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