Let’s read Proverbs 14:12; 1 John 2:15-17; 1 John 4:7, 8 & Psalm 34:8 in tandem
There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.
“I love travelling”, “I love watching movies”, “I love playing cricket”, “I love KFC”…etc
All these statements (used very commonly in day-to-day living) refer to “love” being limited to an “experience”. However, “Love” in God’s dictionary has a greater and richer meaning than what the world has limited it to.
“Love” in God’s point of view is a person. And hence, “Love” has a personality. What is the personality of “Love”? - Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)
In short “Love” always gives, “Love” always forgives, “Love” is always sacrificial in nature. True “Love” is never ever self-seeking. God Himself is this amazing “Love”. God’s identity is defined by His personality called “Love”, and that personality is revealed to us through His Son Jesus Christ (John 14:8-11).
You and I only have one life on this earth. And hence, only one chance and only one choice. Either the created world or the creator Himself. Love towards the world is expectant in nature (not sacrificial). Loving the world means to “love” just the “experiences” that it has to offer. The passing pleasures (lovable experiences) of this world will one day vanish away in a flash. But whoever rests in the Love of God will live forever…!!
Our love for God is not a self-generated love. We love because he first Loved us (1 John 4:19). We sacrifice (Romans 12:1) because he sacrificed it all for us first (Philippians 2:6-8).
Loving an “experience” lasts only till that experience itself lasts. Experiencing the “Love” lasts forever, because God and His “Love” are eternal.
One who has truly tasted the Lord will surely yearn to rest in His Love always..!
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