Jesus is Love
Jesus is Love
9/8 Reading Portions: 2 Samuel 2; 1 Corinthians 13; Ezekiel 11; Psalm 50
LOVE
Love never ends. 1 Corinthians 13:8
Emotions accompany love, however, love itself is not a feeling or emotion. Although actions may be provoked by love, and though activity often accompanies love, it is not a verb as suggested in some contemporary song lyrics. Although choices and decisions may spring forth from love, love itself is not a choice or decision. Although a commitment may be formed and established by true love, love itself is not a commitment. The reason it is not all these things is because love is a person— love is God Himself (1 Jn 4:8). The ultimate expression of love is found in the person of the incarnate Christ upon the earth, from birth to crucifixion to ascension. Jesus suffered long (patient) among those who doubted, yet was benevolent (kind) toward them (v4a). Jesus was not envious of anyone because there was nothing He coveted from anyone (v4b); neither did Jesus need to boast of His actions or attributes because He thoroughly comprehended who He was as the Son of God (v4c); nor was He arrogant (v4d), for He purposely humbled Himself to leave the glories of heaven to become a Man, submissive as a Servant, and obedient unto the death of a cross (Phil 2:7-8). Jesus was never rude nor did He behave inappropriately (v5a). He never insisted upon His own way (v5b), but was ever and always submissive to the Father’s will (John 6:38). Jesus was never irritable or easily provoked (v5c) because His joy and comfort was continual fellowship with the heavenly Father (John 8:29); neither was He resentful or did He think evil in His heart (v5d) because His heart was pure and His mind clean (Titus 1:15). We can go on and on, but I think you get the picture. Marriages end, relationships fail, and disagreements arise. You can be sure their demise was because Jesus was neglected or never part of that marriage, relationship, interaction, etc. When we, as Christians, experience difficulties in our relationships, or fellowship, we need look no further than the lack of love of Christ in our own hearts as the cause. True biblical love can never end or fail because Jesus will never end or fail.
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