The following is Paul expressing the concept of love as inspired by the life and teaching of Jesus:
"If I could speak in any language in heaven or on earth but didn't love others, I would only be making meaningless noise like a loud gong or clanging cymbal....If I gave everything I have to poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn't love others, I would be of no value whatsoever. Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand it's own way. Love is not irritable, and keeps no record of when it has been wronged. It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance....
There are three things that will endure - faith, hope, and love - love - and the greatest of these is love!"
Jesus matters for the simple reason that He announced a concept of love for others that was previously unacknowledged. His teachings in this regard have become the standard to which members of civilization have aspired. Very few manage to maintain that level of love for others; but we are all better off when we least attempt it. The world is a better place because Jesus gave us a deeper, richer realization of friendship....and what it means to be a friend!
Here are three questions for further study.
Please feel free to share you comments and or feed back from this devotion. Thanks. God bless you...us
1. How do you define love?
2. If you asked Christ to critique the definition you just gave, what would He say?
3. What would the ramifications of your personal relationships if love were displayed at only a shallow level?
Daily Devotions written by a Pastor, who desires to share God with the world. God desires for a personal relationship with you and has a great adventure for you as you follow in step with Him.
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