Love and Lying

S - “Whoever says "I know him" but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. … And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.” 1 John‬ ‭2:4-5; 4:21‬ ‭ESV‬

O -The point of the instruction/commands is not a flawless performance but a relentless love, love from God and love for God and for all others. The world (secular and religious) wants to make a separation between loving God and loving others.  Heaven will not have it.  

A - Accepting this reality doesn't make it easier to do. It does clarify my status with God and my interaction with his commands.  It is easier to be right than to love.  It is easier to use Scripture, to make huge sacrifices or to attempt great things than to love.  Nothing is more important than loving.  If I am not leading with and clinging to love, then every Scripture promise and kingdom reality is moving away from me.  When love is carrying the day (the moment, the circumstance, the known and the unknown) then all of heaven is moving, rushing toward me and looking to flow into me and out of me into this world which God so loves.  

P - God who is love,

Thank you for clarifying all of this in the person of Jesus.  I don't want to be lying to myself about loving you.  You don't want me to think you're demanding an impeccable performance. Thank you for loving all unconditionally; for letting us love you back and have it matter to you; and for identifying the exclusive outcome of such an interaction: the love of others. 

Amazed again,

Steve