Love.

I've been learning a whole lot about love lately. So, instead of studying for a moment, even though I have so much to do, I just want to sit at the feet of my Jesus and learn more about love.

This is the verse He brought to mind this morning. 1 John 3:1.

"See what love the Father has lavished upon us, that we might be called children of God! And that is what we are!"

That is SO much better than receiving a dozen roses, eh? Or some candy. Maybe a kiss. Whatever. God has lavished love upon us. While we were still sinners He did this (Romans 5:8). I rest in that truth. That true love is ONLY from God. Whether you are in a relationship or not, that should rock your world. You are loved with an unfailing love.

So the question is, What are you doing about it?

And the answer may be found in Mark 12:30.

"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength."

Tonight at Vision, we went through these 4 parts of us: heart, soul, mind, and strength. I'm gonna take it a step farther by giving a quick & easy definition of love that I feel makes this verse simply jump even further off the page, at least to me.

John 14:15--"If you love me, you will keep my commandments."

LOVE = OBEDIENCE

Obedience of Heart:
The heart refers to the thoughts and feelings of a person. So obedience here is to take every thought captive to obey Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). To turn every attitude on its head. To incline your heart to God in every situation. To be satisfied in Him alone. To turn your affections toward Him, turning them away from anything is this world, for He alone can meet you and romance you where you are. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart.

Obedience of Soul:
The soul refers to the spirit of a person. So obedience here is to realize that you have been given a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control (2 Timothy 1:7). And to claim that verse over your life: to live in that power and love and self-control. Live those attributes out; live a lifestyle of victory, not defeat. For God has not left you defeated. He has come to save you. You shall love the Lord your God with all your soul.

Obedience of Mind:
The mind refers to the deep thoughts and understandings of a person. What we need to realize here is that we have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16b). And we need to live that out. The context of that verse gives us those clues. God has given us His Spirit, and with that comes understanding the things of God, such as His word. So what are we doing about that? Are we understanding? Are we taking it a step further and applying? You shall love the Lord your God with all your mind.

Obedience of Strength:
The strength of a person is found in their ability and their work. It may not be found in success. But are we trying? Are we placing our work in His hands? Are we choosing to use our work for His Kingdom work? Another thought of strength: are we being strong and courageous (Joshua 1:9) in all of these areas? Are we pressing on, enduring towards the upward call found in Christ Jesus alone (Philippians 3)? You shall love the Lord your God with all your strength.


"Now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."
1 Corinthians 13:13
Saved by Faith. Rejoicing in hope. Above all, love.

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