This blog post is an incredible description of the intimacy that Jesus desires and intends to have with us. If you let it, it can transform the way that you pray and worship.
http://tenthavenuenorth.com/blog/2009/06/19/chapter-9-beloved/
Showing posts with label true love. Show all posts
Showing posts with label true love. Show all posts
Monday, July 06, 2009
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Getting Noticed
"But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him." (1 Corinthians 8:3 NKJV).
How can I love You? I really want to be known by You. But knowing more about You doesn't necessarily mean that I love you, for "knowledge puffs up" my ego if it is not grounded in love (8:1). Signs and wonders, prophetic insight, acts of mercy, and martyrdom do not in themselves cause me to be known by You. In fact, without love, they simply cause me to be a noisy irritation, worth nothing and gaining nothing (13:1-3). Though I am often jealous of those who have more prophetic giftings than I, they are not what get me noticed by You. Well then, what will get me noticed?
Love ... true love. (Insert Princess Bride accent here.)
What is true love? 1 Corinthians 13 goes on to explain what love is, so I will look there.
"Love suffers long and is kind; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up ..." (13:4). How can I suffer long with you? Perhaps by patiently receiving whatever You bring my way without complaining. Perhaps by being patient with those You bring into my path. Love for You is expressed by not being envious of what You've given others or boastful of what You've given me. If my love for You is true, it "does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked ..." (13:5). My Beloved, how have I behaved rudely toward You? How have I sought my own? How have I been provoked at You?
"I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these My brothers and sisters, you were doing it to Me!" (Matthew 25:40 NLT).
You love Me by loving My brothers. You hate Me by hating My brothers. When you are patient with one of Mine, you are patient with Me. What you are selfish and rude toward one of them, you are selfish and rude toward Me. It is no understatement to say that every interaction with one of My children is interaction with Me. Your prayers are not the only holy conversations you have. Every conversation is holy because you are having it with one of Mine, which is the same as having it with Me. Do not profane what is holy. Approach each one of My beloved ones as you would approach Me. Would you approach My manifest presence in arrogance or with anger? No, you would approach Me in humility and with an open heart. Do the same with those who are Mine. Begin to see Me in every person, for "this one, s/he is Mine" (Misty Edwards). Whatever you do or say to them, I take very personally. You have dozens of opportunities every day to show kindness to Me. Do not throw them away. For I do not forget the smallest kindness. I will abundantly reward those who love Me in this way, by showing kindness to my brethren. And I will also reward those who show kindness to you, My beloved.
You are so kind, Jesus, so merciful and gentle. I fall so short of loving You truly. Please do in and through me all that You have said, for I really want to be known by You.
How can I love You? I really want to be known by You. But knowing more about You doesn't necessarily mean that I love you, for "knowledge puffs up" my ego if it is not grounded in love (8:1). Signs and wonders, prophetic insight, acts of mercy, and martyrdom do not in themselves cause me to be known by You. In fact, without love, they simply cause me to be a noisy irritation, worth nothing and gaining nothing (13:1-3). Though I am often jealous of those who have more prophetic giftings than I, they are not what get me noticed by You. Well then, what will get me noticed?
Love ... true love. (Insert Princess Bride accent here.)
What is true love? 1 Corinthians 13 goes on to explain what love is, so I will look there.
"Love suffers long and is kind; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up ..." (13:4). How can I suffer long with you? Perhaps by patiently receiving whatever You bring my way without complaining. Perhaps by being patient with those You bring into my path. Love for You is expressed by not being envious of what You've given others or boastful of what You've given me. If my love for You is true, it "does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked ..." (13:5). My Beloved, how have I behaved rudely toward You? How have I sought my own? How have I been provoked at You?
"I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these My brothers and sisters, you were doing it to Me!" (Matthew 25:40 NLT).
You love Me by loving My brothers. You hate Me by hating My brothers. When you are patient with one of Mine, you are patient with Me. What you are selfish and rude toward one of them, you are selfish and rude toward Me. It is no understatement to say that every interaction with one of My children is interaction with Me. Your prayers are not the only holy conversations you have. Every conversation is holy because you are having it with one of Mine, which is the same as having it with Me. Do not profane what is holy. Approach each one of My beloved ones as you would approach Me. Would you approach My manifest presence in arrogance or with anger? No, you would approach Me in humility and with an open heart. Do the same with those who are Mine. Begin to see Me in every person, for "this one, s/he is Mine" (Misty Edwards). Whatever you do or say to them, I take very personally. You have dozens of opportunities every day to show kindness to Me. Do not throw them away. For I do not forget the smallest kindness. I will abundantly reward those who love Me in this way, by showing kindness to my brethren. And I will also reward those who show kindness to you, My beloved.
You are so kind, Jesus, so merciful and gentle. I fall so short of loving You truly. Please do in and through me all that You have said, for I really want to be known by You.
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