Love how?
I woke up this morning thinking how love has changed me.
I also thought about what love is.
I grew up around a circle of people who said they loved Jesus.
I had parents who told me they loved me.
My mother more than my father.
My question is, how would you describe love?
Interesting, right?
Some say love is without condition, others say Jesus is love, and the fruits of the spirit are indications of love.
How does one live life if they are in love with Jesus?
What evidence would you describe for the effects of love?
I say I love Jesus.
He says if you love me, you'll keep my commands.
Yet, there have been periods and moments where I didn't love Him.
Let's look at religion and see what it has to say.
Love is patient; love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude; it is not self-seeking; it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres."
After reading that, it gives a good idea of love.
According to Wikipedia:
Two words in Greek describe love.
In the New Testament, agapē is charitable, selfless, altruistic, and unconditional.
It is parental love, seen as creating goodness in the world; it is the way God is seen to love humanity, and it is seen as the kind of love Christians aspire to have for one another.
Phileo, also used in the New Testament, is a human response to something delightful. It is also known as "brotherly love."
More from Wikipedia below:
In Hebrew, אהבה (ahavah) signifies the love of Israelites for God and each other.
However, the concept of hesed offers a deeper understanding of love within Jewish thought and life.
It goes beyond mere passion, embodying a character trait actively expressed through generosity and grace.
Hesed has a dual nature: when attributed to God, it denotes grace or favor, while when practiced by humans, it reflects piety and devotion.
I think that if those of us who say we love Jesus, then our lives should reflect that.
I may not physically see Jesus, yet I say I believe in him, and because of that, my behavior changes.
What does Jesus offer me?
Jesus offers you a pardon for your past.
Look at Colossians 1:21 and 22:
“Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior.
But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.”
Below is a list of what Jesus offers us through Google AI:
Eternal life: Jesus said that those who believe in him will not perish but have everlasting life.
Forgiveness: Jesus offers a pardon for past sins and calls people new creations.
Joy, peace, and love: Jesus promised to give his disciples joy, peace, and love.
The Holy Spirit: Jesus' teachings include receiving the Holy Ghost.
Satisfaction: Jesus is the gate to satisfaction; people will experience satisfaction in their souls when the Lord is their shepherd.
Good works: God has specific good works for people to do, and he wants to help people fulfill their purpose with the help of the Holy Spirit.
In my opinion, forgiveness is the most significant offer that Jesus makes.
I've done things and obtained a guilty conscience.
The facts Jesus clears that, for me, means a lot.
To live guilt-free and shame-free is vital to me.
By his sacrifice, I am atoned for.
I can write more, but we will end here.
I hope this post was thought-provoking.