Love


Now abideth faith, hope, love, but the greatest of these is love. Among the three greatest acts of the human will is the will to love. In this present age, we see through a glass dimly, thus our need to decide to have courage (faith) to face the tasks God has set before us this day; and this is coupled with our need to expect a better tomorrow which will make the present make sense. As Christians we do will toward The Future—a Future beyond description even of the genius of the Apostle Paul.

Nonetheless, love is all that will endure. As God graciously works His will in us on account of the mercy of Christ, we touch others with the love of God in Christ. This is one of the thoughts I have when I listen to Rod Stewart's song, "Have I Told You Lately that I Love You?" I certainly have romantic thoughts when I listen to the song, but I cannot buy that any person can "fill my heart with gladness and take away all my sadness." As much as I love and enjoy and benefit from my relationship with my wife, her ability goes only so far. But then again, if she didn't shop quite as much… (smile).

Have you told some one lately that you love them? Have you been told lately that you are loved? Are we creating, establishing, and encouraging relationships that challenge us to take our eyes off our own selves, our own cause, our own will? Can I prove I am growing, and can you prove that you are growing in the grace of Christ? Are we becoming more tolerant and understanding of human weakness? Are we becoming less and less censorious and judgmental? Are we able to be more reasonable with what we expect from ourselves and others? Are we truly learning that the Christian life is one of working from the bestowal of grace? Are we impressed with the strength of our spiritual muscles, our knowledge, and our ability to get through life. Of course you are, and so am I. I confess this and know that I must die to self daily.

So, have you told another that you love them. Today, in the last hour, have you recognized the gracious love of Christ and had an impulse to communicate that love to another—expecting nothing for yourself? I would conjecture that if you could reach out to another in simple love even once a day, you would be greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.

May God grant us insight into His Grace, and awareness of our arrogance.