The one concept unique to early Christianity was “love of the brethren.” Once the early Christians had received Christ and the truth, the Apostle Peter urged them to love one another. Observers in Christianity’s early days were amazed by this outstanding fact more than any other. Yet there were many who heard this truth, but never let it purify them—because they refused…
Tag: Godly love
Spontaneous, Extravagant Love and Devotion
True love does not cautiously hold back its feelings from the one it loves. Love is spontaneous, and may burst forth in amazing ways that we never plan in advance. The one quality that distinguishes love is that it comes forth, not by force, but from our free will. “…in Bethany in the house of…
Casting Out the Fear that Enslaves Us
What frequently makes us anxious and lacking in courage? Usually it’s fear. Fear can come at us in many different forms through our physical desires, lifestyles, and ambitions. We can find fear woven into ordinary nature adventures, like swimming, scuba diving, cliff climbing, or skydiving. And there are some who experience fear through physical entertainment,…
He Went Out of His Way
The man was sitting beside a small, recently fallen, tree near the woods at the edge of town. His hand gripped his chest constantly and a grimace showed on his face. He was obviously in great pain. His other hand rose occasionally, feebly waving in an attempt to motion for help. A woman sat nearby,…
Why Does Fear Form in Me?
Since the beginning of this world, it is unlikely that anyone, except Jesus Christ, has ever lived a life without some kind of fear. Whether it comes from a wasp attempting to sting, a stumble that nearly sends us over the edge of a cliff, a massive wildfire quickly closing in, a collection agency waiting…
Can Love Be Earned?
Roberto and Maria were a fine couple who really adored each other. They were frequently found taking walks around the lake near the center of town. They loved to hold hands and to talk about all kinds of subjects, but especially about each other. The whole community thought highly of them as having a model…
My Joy and Your Joy
“These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be fulfilled.” John 15:11 The Joy of Christ “My joy” here means the joy that is Christ’s. This is what He desires for His disciples to possess, by which He can then, as a consequence, guarantee…
Would You Die For Your Enemies?
“…God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 The Lord was pointing here to His reconciling death, which both His friends and enemies alike needed very much. The idea here is that sometimes a need is so compelling that a man might choose to…
Would You Die For Your Friend?
“Greater love hath no man than this, that he would lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13 This verse emphasizes that Jesus laid down His life for His friends. There is no better way to show a dear friend how much you care than to lay down your life on his or her…
What Are You Doing Here?
Fear can cause all kinds of reactions and impulses in us depending on the circumstances. Many will flee, while others may just stand still, like a deer in an approaching vehicle’s headlights. Some will not think or act rationally and might even aid that which is creating fear in the first place. Fear in itself…