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R E M E M B E R T H E K I N DS O F LOV E
A more benevolent love is that I REMEMBER, how my which is shown by doing things to perception of love has evolved over enhance the well-being of another; the course of my lifetime. I expect we might label this “charitable” that many of you, like me, have love. A possible and only benefit of an understanding of this emotion, this love could be brownie points this feeling, this disposition that with one we hope to impress along is an improvement over what it with a reputation of being kind and was some years ago. Since this is generous. We generally appreciate the month in which Valentine is a and respect the person who meets prominent day, this might be an this standard. appropriate time for us to examine A type of love that all of us just where we are relative to this are desirous of experiencing and most important matter. So let’s that has been so valuable and look at some different “types” of enriching to me has been the love and at how a person might affectionate, attentive care of my respond to one who holds to that family. The blessing of the love of particular expression of love. THE BLESSING OF THE LOVE OF ONE’S SPOUSE one’s spouse and one’s children Let’s begin with what we and grandchildren is beyond might call “selfish” love. This is AND ONE’S CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN description and an individual the kind of love that one looks for IS BEYOND DESCRIPTION who experiences such is fortunate because of how it might please or indeed. This mutual concern benefit him. “What can I get out of this” is prominent in the thinking of such a person. These individuals and caring in a family contributes enormously to the emotional are concerned only with getting, and give almost no thought to and spiritual well-being of all its members, helping one another to giving. Unfortunately, some, perhaps many, never advance beyond effectively cope with the challenges of life. Closely in tune with familial love is that which exists between this adolescent concept of what love really is. Although this approach to love may be permissible for young children at Christmas, it is God and His children. The love of God is so awesome that it defies comprehension. The apostle John expressed it this way: “God so unattractive most other times. Eventually, this approach to love will loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son…” If giving is a almost certainly result in a feeling of being used, which would likely qualification of genuine love, God the Father meets and exceeds the give rise to resentment. James & John wanting Jesus’ favor for high requirement. But for His love to have its desired effect, the recipient positions in the Kingdom is an example of this “selfish” love; their must respond in kind. What does our response look like? Jesus gave concern was only for what was beneficial to them. the answer when He said, “If you love me, you will obey me.´(John Then there is that love which draws individuals to one another 14:15). God loves, so He gives; and He gives us His Best! We respond because they share common interests and goals. We could dub this “friendship love.” We “love” others because we “love” the same to this awesome love by giving Him our loyal obedience, know that His commands spring from a heart that always acts based on His things that they love. Tiger fans might be especially harmonious when the Alabama football team is in town, but the harmony can be love for us. And it is no surprise that His prime commandment shattered where there are significant political differences – then this is, “Love one another!” When we are striving to obey our Lord, a “love” can dissipate pretty fast. Despite the fact that there might be genuine love for others will be one important result! May our Valentine’s Day this year be filled with His love for us a number of things which we may have in common, there are likely just as many things with which we disagree. A Valentine would and marked by our love for Him and for one another. probably desire a more stable love.
ar t i c le b y PAUL L I PE o p in io n e x p re s s e d is t h a t o f t h e w r it e r
20 FEBRUARY 2023 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM