Love: The Greatest Gift (Part 4)

Verse of the day: 1 Corinthians 13:5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil;

Love does not behave rudely, or in a manner that is disgraceful. When we love others, we avoid inappropriate conduct, and show respect, regardless of who the person is or what status they hold in society; whether poor, rich, popular, or homeless. We are not to be respecters of persons as God is not a Respecter of persons (Acts 10:34). Love calls for us to give respect to those we have relationships with, whether husband and wife, parents and children, elders and youth. Sadly, in many cultures, this is a lost art, but should never be so with the born again believer. Whether or not we "like" a person is not an excuse before God to treat them with disrespect. How unbecoming it is for Christians to show rudeness or disrespect, even in the most subtle attitudes and actions. Love does not seek her own, or is not selfish. A true follower of Jesus is not focused on his/her own happiness to the hurt of another. Again, we are reminded that Philippians 2:3-4 tells us that we are not be selfish in our ambitions, but look out for the well-being of others over our own self-interests. A Christian who truly loves will sacrifice their own comfort, time, and resources for the sake of someone else's need. This is also key in respect to the Gospel as well. Too many Christians, once they are saved, and "all set" eternally, seem to forget that they need to share that message with others. What greater act of selfishness can a born again believer demonstrate than a refusal to share the message of eternal life by faith in Jesus alone? Jesus told us in Mark 16:15 to preach the Gospel to every creature. In order to do this, it calls for us to take up our cross daily (Lk 9:23), denying self, and doing whatever necessary in order to bring the message of Jesus to a lost and dying world.

Jesus did not die for some and not others. He died for the world (Jn 3:16). Today, He extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus in repentance, confessing their sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).