The Power Of Love

THE POWER OF LOVE

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:16-17.

God loved us not because we had something to offer Him, but rather because He had something to give us. We are all sinners and the Bible says the consequence of sin is death and eternal separation from God. There is nothing we can do to make us good enough. But God made a way for us by sending Jesus to help us. He willingly gave up His beloved Son to save us from eternal damnation; not because the world was lovable but because God is love and He took steps to show it. Jesus became a Sacrificial Lamb. Through the death of Jesus, the barrier between us and our relationship with God was torn in two. The crucifixion of Jesus not only brings us peace and reconciliation with God, but it also brings us into a personal, loving relationship with Him. God sent His Son to die in our place so that if we believe in Him, we won’t perish but will have eternal life.

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35.

Love is a cycle! The same love that God gives to you; He wants you to offer to everyone that you come in contact with. The Holy Spirit pours out God’s love into our hearts, so we can pour it out into the hearts of others. We're to freely give of that which we have also freely received. We're to love the people God placed in our family, neighbourhood, church, workplace, and school. This is a command. A commandment is not optional; it is not a suggestion. We are to love one another. We must be quick to forgive and love as God loves us.

Love is often described in terms of feelings or emotions; it is not empty talk. True love takes action. Love is not what we feel, think, or say, but more of what we do. Love is the trademark of Christianity. God has gifted us with the capacity for love and to love, because we are created in His image. Love is the greatest power in the world! It rejoices in the truth and protects the weak. Love lends a helping hand to all those in need, misery or grief. It forgives and, when possible, offers reconciliation. Love does not believe in demanding but it feels joy in giving. It breaks down barriers! These relationship barriers often arise from our past experiences: the hurts, betrayals, wounds, rejections and disappointments that left us unable to give or receive love. Love is greater than any of the spiritual gifts and is even greater than faith and hope. 1 Corinthians 13:13. Anything we do, no matter how heroic needs to be motivated by love. Love puts others first. Love is a fruit of the Holy Spirit.

The Greek language has many variations on the word love.

1. Eros

Eros, which is named after the Greek god of love and fertility. The Greek word erotas means ‘intimate love’. It is where we get the modern-day ‘erotic’. Eros is a passionate and intense form of love that arouses romantic and sexual feelings. This kind of love is based upon familiarity and direct interaction. It is transient, short-lived, and unless replaced by genuine love, results in disappointment, hatred, divorce, and murder. Eros is a strong fire that burns out quickly. Tread with caution though. Relationships built solely on the basis of Eros will fail.

2. Philia

This is a type of love that is felt among friends who’ve endured hard times together. It is the most general type of love; encompasses care, respect and compassion for others. Philia often involves the feelings of loyalty.

3. Storge

This is the affectionate love you have for your family. It is a natural form of affection that often flows between parents and children; and children for their parents. Storge is natural; it is present without coercion or force. Yet it can also become an obstacle, especially when family don’t agree with or support your purpose or goal.

4. Ludus

This is a playful form of love. Ludus is the feeling we have when we go through the early stages of falling in love with someone or something. Sadly it is a temporary condition.

5. Mania

This is a type of love that leads a partner into a type of insanity and obsessiveness. It occurs when there is an imbalance between Eros and Ludus. The person wants to love and be loved to find a sense of self-worth. Because of this, they can become jealous, possessive, unbalanced, and psychotic. And if the other partner fails to respond or reciprocate with the same kind of mania love, many problems will arise.