On this wonderful, Word-filled Wednesday, I have been contemplating on a few verses. For one of the crafts the kids and I did, the verse was John 14:27: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. This verse is about peace, but I think it applies so much to God's love as well. God doesn't love the way that the world loves. He doesn't give His love and then take it back, but loves unconditionally. If we truly love others, we will love God's way and not the way of the world.
On a side note, have you all seen the new Bible gateway? I love it! I'm a creature of habit and wasn't looking forward to the change, but it's great!
The world says love is jealous, that if you love someone or something you have the right to hoard it to your self and attack anyone or anything that might try to get in on it. God says love is kind, not jealous, but something beautiful to share. The world says love is something to be proud of, something you declare and let everyone know what you love is yours. God says love isn't proud, but humble. He says love isn't something to envy or boast about, but something to cherish and enjoy.
The world says love is earned, that it is conditional, and only given to others when it benefits you. God says that love is a free, unconditional gift, that is given to others regardless of whether or not they deserve it, and it has little or nothing to do with us.
The world would tell you that love is easily angered. That if we trust someone with our heart that we have the right to get angry when they make even the smallest mistake. God says that love isn't easily angered and it keeps no record of wrongs. He says that love forgives no matter what.
The world tells us that love has the right to talk down, gossip and exploit. God tells us that love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Heather, thank you so much for this!
ReplyDeleteI am so grateful that His peace and love are nothing like what the world has to offer. He is faithful, steadfast and true and I pray that His peace pervades my life and permeates through my home each day.
joy & blessings to you,
Alida
God's way! How distorted worldly thinking is and leads to death. God's way is life!
ReplyDeleteGood post! I just saw the new Bible Gateway today and really like it too! :)
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