Re:Verse reading–Philemon 1-25 (day five)
vs 5 “because I hear of your love and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints;”
A question people often ask. Comes in different forms and phrases- “How do I know I am getting stronger in my faith?”, “How do I know I am closer to God?”
Are there indicators or evidences that point to real faith? The scripture does point to several. One of those is a deep affection and love for God’s people (the church). In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians (chapter 5) as he describes the love between a husband and wife, he uses the analogy of Christ’s love for the church.
Want a litmus for your faith? Ask how much you love the church (more specifically, all the people in the church) – those that agree and disagree with you, those that encourage and are a challenge to you. It will be a deep and growing love for Christ that will produce a deep and growing love for His people.
The world will know peace when we all will care about and love one another. It takes time to build trustef and loving relationships.
God is love so as followers of Christ, we are love. There are 4 types of love that I have embraced: the love of a husband and wife, the love of parents for their children and vice versa, the love between or among friends, and the love for God and His children (Agape Love).
Can we balance all? Or Love is situational or transactional? Can we exercise love the way Christ did? It takes special and spiritual talents to act like Christ. Good blog and reminder.