October 25, 2024
" Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?”
- Romans 8:35 (NIV)
Today, let us explore three attributes of love. When you think about love, what comes to mind? First, love is indomitable. This simply means that love is very potent or strong. Just like the word Dominion which means to have influence or the power to control things and situations, love has a strong influence on people and situations.
Have you ever seen two people in love? By observing their affectionate gestures and actions, it is obvious that they are under the influence of something very strong and potent! In Songs of Solomon 8: 6-7, the bible describes love to be “as strong as death” and like “the fire of the Lord.” Every fire is quenchable but because of the potency of love, that fire cannot be quenched.
God’s love for us is unquenchable! Romans 8:35 – 39 tells us that nothing can separate us from the love of God. No situation, no sin, no condemnation, no shame, no disease. God’s love for us is that strong. Another amazing fact is that we also have the capacity to love like God because the same agape love that God has shown us is within us. Romans 5:5 says that God’s love is shared abroad in our hearts! We do not have to search or pray for it. It is within us!
Love cannot be hidden. How can you say someone loves you if they do not show it?
The second attribute of love is that love is supernatural. Love is not merely a thing or a feeling. Agape love, the Godkind of love; is supernatural. Whenever we connect to agape love within us, we come under the influence of the Holy Spirit. He guides us and teaches us to truly love others the way God loves us. This can be challenging especially when we face stressful situations and unkind people. While the world’s response to unkindness and cruelty is retaliation, the Spirit of God within us directs and equips us to do the opposite – to show love.
The third attribute of love is that love is expressive, love cannot be hidden. How can you say someone loves you if they do not show it? Similarly, real love is naturally expressive! How can we claim to love God but keep our relationship with Him a secret? John 14:15 tells us that if we love God. We will obey His commandments. Matthew 10:33 puts it this way “but whosoever denies me before men, him will I also deny before My Father who is in heaven.” Concealing our love for God is synonymous with denying the very God we claim to love. Love demands expression.
Song of Worship
Give me love in my heart, keep me serving
Give me love in my heart, I pray
Give me love in my heart, keep me serving
Keep me serving 'til the break of day
Song by A. Sevison / C. Barny Robertson
Prayer - Dear Lord, help us to express the love that we have for you. Let it also be evident in the way that we relate with and treat others. In Jesus name – Amen.