Think On These Things Thursday

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

What is Love?

Dr. Bill Rice preached on what love is while I was at the Bill Rice Ranch. I had heard him preach on this before, but it was a good reminder and has been a help in my life. I know it would be even more helpful if I would remember it and apply it to my life more!

So often love is seen as some gushy feeling. This is not how the Bible defines love, however.

Here is the Bible definition of love:

Romans 13: 8-10 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

To define love practically is to simply define it as doing what is right. Jesus even reminded us of the commandments that deal with our relationships with others when talking about love being the fulfilling of the law. He goes on to talk about loving our neighbor as our self. We tend to be pretty good at watching out for ourselves, but what about for others?

So to put this into practice:

If we say you love the Lord, are we: obeying His Word, spending time with Him by reading our Bibles and praying, going to church, witnessing, maintaining a good testimony, etc.

If we say we love our family are we: being kind, patient, helpful, not leaving things for the other person to do when we could do it our self, talking about them in a kind way, not complaining about them to others, etc. Also, in regards to our children, are we disciplining them, teaching them Biblical truths, spending time with them, etc.

If we say we love our friends are we: being kind, not gossiping, helping them, encouraging them, etc.

Basically, if we can remember that showing love is simply doing what is right by that person, our life and theirs will be much better!

Also, remember that God does not expect us to love other in our own strength, He expects us to rely on Him for the strength to do what is right!

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.