The Beth Moore Study explains the different kinds of love and takes you through a more in-depth look at the love that is referred to in the Fruit of the Spirit. Obviously I can’t, and don’t even want to, re-create a whole study here but I want to highlight what most impressed me about this agape love that is poured out into our hearts by the Holy Spirit.This is a love that is not necessarily based on a feeling. It is also not based on a relationship built on common interests. It supersedes the kind of love that is reciprocal, shared or earned. It is an unselfish response fueled by a need.
We tend to romanticize agape love by reading what is referred to as the Love Chapter (1 Corinthians 13), at weddings and so forth, but probably understand a little more about it when we begin celebrating Anniversaries. It says that:
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, 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. Love never fails.
I am incapable of this kind of love! My heart condemns me and convinces me that I do not have perfect love. But the Bible says that God is greater than our hearts, and He can and wants to pour His love into us, so that we can be the vessels of His love shown to others. The suggestion in the study is that when I face a situation where love does not come naturally, I need to:
- admit that I lack the love needed
- ask for divine leading and help
- consider how Jesus would respond
- act in obedience
In the end, this causes a chain reaction of a far greater feeling and far greater results than any human attempts could administer. God is able to tender us towards the difficult person and we ourselves are blessed by being a vessel that He could use to show His love. There may be a situation where it is impossible to even face a person who has wronged us, but we can begin by praying for that person on a regular basis and wait to see what God will do.
The final words in the love chapter remind me that love never fails. It is never in vain and never without effect, even if I don’t see the results.
11 comments:
I agree that praying for others is a wonderful way to prepare our hearts for love. Thank you for reminding me love never fails.
Just today I was thinking of a lady who seems to have trouble making/keeping friends. I don't always enjoy her company - this was a reminder that we are called to love.
My heart has been so softened for the hard moments in my relationships. .
God really does make a difference. . .if we want him to.
Thank you Anneliese.
Thanks, Mom. I was just reading about "love" in this study this morning!
Wow, thanks for these insights. To love in 'difficult situations' never comes easy...but I like the suggestions that you have listed. I was challenged and encouraged by this post today! Thank you :)
Love, Bonnie
Thanks Anneliese...for the reminder that God will generate the love for us...when we don't feel loving...and if we are obedient.
'Love never fails'..how true. Sometimes it is hard to love but with prayer and allowing God to work through me makes all the difference.
this is so true, i am always searching my heart for that kind of love.
I have enjoyed Beth Moore! She is really a great bible teacher.
Your post thoughts are soo true! Love really is the most important thing...but it cannot live in a selfish heart!
I love that God has "shed His love abroad in our hearts". Now we just have to learn to let it out!
In and of myself I cannot love this way - but yielded He can achieve this love through me. What an awesome God of Love we have! Thanks for this post.
These words have been spoken directly to my heart Anneliese. I will begin to pray those 4 suggestions Beth has given as I seek to love someone I am stuggling with. So timely...at a frustrating time for me. Kathy
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