Hi Church,
Well love is in the air and that is the season of Spring. I have celebrated two weddings in as many weeks and I conducted one of those over the weekend. So not only do weddings happen but weddings are remembered. Many wedding anniversaries are celebrated during September. Amanda and I celebrated 31 Years on the 17th. And Jess and Paul are celebrating 10 years. And I spoke to someone just recently who ticked over 60 years. So what makes a good marriage?
On Saturday I spoke to the bridal congregation about Love as we see in 1 Cor 13. There are some 18 instructions as to what Love is in that chapter. And what we come to know is that Love is not a theory, love is not a clever marketing campaign, that is “Love is Love”, but Love is a verb. Love is an action, love is something that is demonstrated rather than pronounced. Yes we all long to hear the words I love you, but it means very little unless its backed up with clear action from the one who gives it, to the one who receives it.
So Love is Patient, Love is Kind, Love is not selfish, love is not boastful, love serves, love forgives, love supports and love cares. Love is generous and Love always hopes and love never gives up. These are just some of the actions that speaks love. The to top it off Jesus makes an even stronger definition of what love is. He says in John 15:13 No Greater Love than this, that a man lay down his life for His friend. O that just takes love to a whole nother level.
I don’t know if I have ever loved like that, definitely not physically, but in attitude……..mm I think I have a way to go. Yet that is the way, the most excellent way, that God requires Husbands to love their wives and all followers of Jesus to do likewise to those around them. John 15:12 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.
This love is so sacrificial and self less. How can it be done? Only through the empowering of Gods grace in us, His presence, in us.
So how is your love life? Ps Kerry challenged us with these thoughts again on Sunday morning with his message titled “Seek intimacy with God” . He led us through the Book of Song of Songs encouraging us to see it as a passionate example of love between man and woman and also between Jesus and His Bride the Church.
During this spring season can I encourage you all church to heat up the passion of love between Husband and Wife. Don’t take it for granted, don’t just say empty words or say no words, back it up with action that speaks true love. And turn up the passion on your love for Jesus. Meet with Him regularly, spend generous amounts of time with Him, sing your praise and speak your thanks, and tell someone about Him. As Jesus said in Rev 2:4, return to your first love. Return to Him.
God bless you Church lets keep pressing in and going deeper in love for Jesus.
Ps Greg and Amanda.