Good morning beloved!

There is a word in the Greek language that means LOVE and that word is “agape“.  This word is a covenant word.  In other words, it has nothing to do with your love; it has to do with God’s unconditional love.  God’s love for you is based on His character, not your actions.  Thank God for that, huh?

The Scripture declares in Romans 5:5 (NLT),

  • For we know how dearly God LOVES us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love.

Because God has done this, we can turn to 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (AMP) and declare that this is who we are.  Insert your name in there as we read it,

  • LOVE endures long and is patient and kind; LOVE never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily.  It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly.  LOVE (God’s LOVE in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong].  It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail.  LOVE bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, it’s hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening].  LOVE never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end].

We have the ability by the power of the Holy Spirit living within us to LOVE one another with His LOVE that has been shed abroad in our hearts. 

Let’s not fail to remember that LOVE is a commandment, not a feeling, an emotion, or a suggestion!  Because God commands us to do it, we can do it!  Jesus said in Matthew 22:37-39,

  • You shall LOVE the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.  This is the first and great commandment.  And the second is like it: You shall LOVE your neighbor as yourself.

Because God LOVES us with an unconditional LOVE and tells us to be imitators of Him, we’re to walk in LOVE and to forgive each other at all times.  Remember not to try to LOVE people in your own strength ~ it takes faith in God.

Love to you in Jesus,

Lisa Gordon

Assistant Pastor

Jesus City Church