Friday, June 22, 2007
What is Biblical Love?
Ephesians 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Dr.John MacArthur says in Truth for Today: (Such wise and edifying words)
The Bible does not refer to Christian love as an emotion but as an act of self sacrifice. A person who truly loves someone else doesn't try to get anything out of that person. That's because godly love is never conditioned on a response--it is unconditional. The world often defines love in terms of what it can get. But God loves even if He never gets anything in return.
The people of the world want love very much. Loving, being loved, and making love are viewed as ultimate high. Love is seen as the way to experience emotional extremes: you'll never be as happy nor as sad as when you are in love....The world's love is unforgiving, conditional, and self centered. It focuses on desire, self pleasure, and lust--the very opposite of God's perfect love.
God's love and the love of His children is forgiving, unconditional, and self sacrificing...When we are thankful for everything, we step outside ourselves, because thanksgiving is directed toward God. Instead of taking from people, love them in a way that communicates thankfulness. Remember, God's love is unselfish and thankful.
Ephesians 5:3-4 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. 4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.
Colossians 3:14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
If you'd like to read more from John MacArthur, please visit his blog at Pulpit Magazine. Also, many of his sermons are found here. His clear, Biblical, practical preaching has helped us through many rough spots in our lives.
I am a stay at home mother to 4. I am very blessed to have a godly husband who loves the Lord and his family. I welcome the days of much needed grace,the times of sweet victories,and the tears of trials,knowing it is all for God's glory. I want my lifesong to sing to Him,the author and finisher of my faith. Soli Deo Gloria--To the Glory of God alone.
12 Comments:
Great thoughts! I need to print that quote out & post it somewhere prominent for me to read & put into practice every day!
That was a great post! I am always amazed by what the world views as "love". There is so much more to it than what we can "get out of it". I find that the people you love the most are the ones you sacrifice the most for!
A beautiful reminder. Love seems to mean so little in our society today. When SELF is the constant focus, we lose sight of real love.
Great words! So needed to be reminded of this today.
"When we are thankful for everything, we step outside ourselves"
I had no idea John MacArthur had a blog....can't wait to go check it out.
I am printing that quote. How powerful! I'm also showing my kids. The world truly has no concept of what love really is. Theirs is such a mixed up definition and totally based on what it can do for oneself.
Amen!! Great post!!!
His,
Mrs. U
Such wonderful words! Thank you for sharing! Love is so important.
Thank you for your sweet comment on my blog. I am sorry you are having trouble viewing it ~ that's the first time I've heard of that problem. Do you know if you have been able to view other blogs with slideshows?
I would love to email you some time so I can learn more about your adoption process. I am short on time right now, but I do thank you for the offer to send an email. Have a wonderful weekend!
Alycia,
Yes, I have trouble getting on your and *Keeping the Pace*...I think it is due to a slide show or something. I love both of these blogs, so I am sad!!!
I will keep trying to figure it out.
Kim
Great Post! Thanks for the great reminder!
Ok, here's a question for you - - do you think it is appropriate for a 13 year old boy & girl to say 'I love you' to each other other. The kids I am referring to are "dating". Biblical feedback/opinions would be much appreciated!
Terr,
That is a whole post in its self...no,I do not think that is appropriate...and neither is *dating* at that age. Real love has to do with choosing and committing...and when 2 people are can truly commit to one another...then a possible courtship or dating arrangement can be made.
I recommend the book *I've kissed dating goodbye* by Josh Harris.
Kim
I have just stumbled upon your blog and came across this post. I really enjoy John MacArthur's teaching style. I learn so much from him. He offers free online bible studies on www.gracetoyou.com. They are great.
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