Rev. Ray and Pat Amos
1 John 3:18
“Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.”
Over the years when we moved from one appointment to another, I foolishly said that I was not going to fall in love with the people again. It just hurt too much to say goodbye. That never lasted long enough to get the truck unloaded; a new face would show up with a “howdy,” and it started all over again. I wouldn’t have had it any other way.
Christ sends us to Love one another; after all, that’s why he came to this sin sick world. He wanted to love us back to God.
Our theology and ministry without love is in the same corner as tongues of men and of angels that have not love, it is all a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. Love validates our words. How will people come to believe that God’s Love is real if we who claim to have it do not live it?
Our words and actions without love can be like corn on the cob without butter. It is good, perhaps even excellent; but let me show you the more excellent way: “Will someone pass the butter please? Ah, now that is corn that is fit for a King!”
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, 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.”
In the Bible, people said many unkind things to, and about, Jesus; but no one ever said that He did not love them. It is expected that this same Love will be in us that is in Christ Jesus.
The hymn says it best:
“O love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure
The saints’ and angels’ song”
Grace and Peace, Rev Ray
Link to Youtube – The Love of God
