“You shall love the Lord your God
with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind and your
neighbor as yourself.” Mathew 22:37-39
Among the parts of speech common
in the English language is the verb. As we learned in early grammar, the verb
is an action word, a word used to express motion or exertion. When we classify
any word as a verb, we give it a special meaning: we intend for it to symbolize
an act, a deed, something accomplished, something done.
The word love, among other
things, is a verb. As used in the New Testament by Christ, the author of love,
it is almost always associated with specific actions or deeds. To love our
neighbor as Jesus described it is to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and
visit the sick. To love our enemy is to pray for them and treat them with
kindness, and even to turn the other cheek. And to love God is to keep His
commandments. In each case, love is defined in terms of action.
Then Christian
love is not merely a principle, thought, or expression. To be properly defined
it must go beyond theory to active demonstration and application. The above
verses are mandates to act. It is no more possible to truly love God and people
without action than it is to transmit light by memorizing Einstein’s theory of
relativity.
Because of love the universe was
organized; the stars and planets set in their respective orbits; and human
beings, the spiritual offspring of God, started upon the path to eternal life.
It was the sublime love of Christ, which led Him to the cross to act out in
agony His final demonstration of universal affection.
Lord of Life has chosen outreach
this year as one of our key initiatives. Part of our outreach is that of
compassionate service. Our words and deed are to reflect the love of Jesus.
Consider how you can make a difference in the lives of others. Remember the
thoughts and words of love require works of love. It is not only
for those we love but also for the friend or stranger who we encounter in daily
life. For love
is a verb.
Sharing His love,
Pastor Qualley
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