Live To Love
I remember learning to love many years ago – at least that what I thought it was. I remember learning the difference between infatuation (foolish, unreasonable passion) and love (profoundly tender, deep and enduring affection) that goes way beyond shallow attraction. I’m still learning to love deeper and more effectively with every day of growing in love. The more I pursue the heart of God, the more I learn about love and how to love others.
Paul was writing to the Galatian churches about freedom to live in Christ apart from the law. He was trying to help them grow in their love for God and one another. They were so bound by the law, they couldn’t quite grasp the deep, enduring and abiding love from God the Father. Check this out….
13 For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. 14 For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. 26 Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another. (Galatians 5:13-14, 25-26 NLT)
The freedom that we have in Christ is very real. It is not a new set of rules. He wants us to fully grasp what it means to love deeply and live fully a life grounded in love. He is calling us to love one another by serving. If I’m serving others, my love for the Lord is growing and expanding. My life is getting richer and more fulfilling. If, on the other hand, I’m simply serving myself, the love of God is drying up inside me. Serving myself reeks of pride and selfishness. The Lord is leading us in the opposite direction away from pride and selfishness. It is easy to love others when they love us in return. It is easy to love others when they can do something for us. It is hard to love the unlovable. It is hard to love the hateful. It hard to love others who do nothing by take from us. I love that one line when Paul says, “let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.” The word “every” doesn’t offer an exception. I want to keep asking the Lord to lead my thoughts that turn into actions. I want every part of my life to be surrendered to Him and His leading upon my life. True freedom comes when I surrender my will and my way to Him.
Pressing On!
Dwayne