Category: DEEP STURDY

THE TRUE LOVE

True love, a concept as timeless as humanity itself, is a deeply personal and often indescribable feeling. Commonly, it’s marked by a strong and passionate affection for another person, characterized by genuine care, deep connection, and a desire for their happiness, often prioritizing it above one’s own.

Love is a decision and not mare feelings. The following are basic components of Love. 1.Commitment 2. sacrifice 3. Trust

It is built on a foundation of trust, respect, and honesty, creating an environment where vulnerability is welcomed, and emotional bonds thrive. True love involves mutual growth, facing challenges together, and a commitment that endures beyond fleeting attraction or superficial interests.

Social and biological factors also play a role. Oxytocin and vasopressin, hormones linked to pair-bonding, are released during intimate moments, strengthening emotional connections and fostering feelings of closeness and affection. Psychologically, true love incorporates attachment, where individuals seek closeness to their partner to gain a sense of security.

Perhaps most crucially, true love is selfless. It is not merely about what one can take from the relationship, but what one can give and how two people can support each other in becoming their best selves. True love accepts the full spectrum of human experience, the perfections and imperfections, and it can stand the test of time and difficulty.

Words, though they strive to express it, often fail to capture the full essence of true love. It must be felt, lived, and nurtured to be truly understood.

BIBLICAL VIEW OF LOVE

True love in a biblical context is often defined as selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional, akin to the love God has for humanity. Several Bible verses speak profoundly about the nature of true love, providing guidance on how it should manifest in our lives:

1. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV)
   “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor 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.”

This passage is one of the most cited references regarding true love, detailing the behaviors and attitudes that characterize it.

2. John 15:13 (NIV)
   “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

Here, the ultimate act of love is described as the willingness to sacrifice even one’s life for others, epitomized by Jesus’ crucifixion.

3. 1 John 4:8 (NIV)
   “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”

This verse connects the essence of God with love, suggesting that to truly know God is to understand and embody love.

4. Ephesians 5:25 (NIV)
   “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”

This calls for a profound, sacrificial love in the marriage relationship, modeling it after Christ’s love for humanity.

5. Colossians 3:14 (NIV)
   “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

Love is depicted as the bond that unifies all other virtues, indicating its fundamental role in harmonious relationships.

6. 1 John 4:18-19 (NIV)
   “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us.”

Fear and love are contrasted here, with the verse suggesting that true love casts out fear and that love is a response to God’s love for us.

7. Romans 12:9 (NIV)
   “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.”

This emphasizes authenticity in love, with a call to abhor evil and hold fast to good within the context of loving relationships.

8. 1 Peter 4:8 (NIV)
   “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”

The depth of love is said to be so profound that it can forgive and overlook wrongs, promoting a spirit of forgiveness and understanding.

The Bible presents true love as a reflection of divine love — patient, forgiving, sacrificial, and pure, providing an ideal for believers to aspire to in their relationships with others.

PRACTICING TRUE LOVE

Practicing selfless love—an altruistic form of love that places the well-being of others before oneself—requires intentionality and often goes against our innate self-centered tendencies. Here are some ways to incorporate selfless love into daily interactions:

Empathy: Begin by genuinely striving to understand the perspectives, feelings, and needs of others. Active listening and paying close attention without immediately thinking of your response is a powerful starting point.

Acts of Kindness: Execute small, random acts of kindness without expecting anything in return. This could be as simple as letting someone go ahead of you in line, paying a compliment, or reaching out to someone who seems lonely.

Forgiveness: Offer forgiveness when wronged. Holding grudges keeps you focused on yourself and your hurt feelings, while forgiveness frees you to love selflessly.

Service: Look for opportunities to volunteer or help out. Give your time and talents where they are needed without seeking accolades.

Patience: Exercise patience in situations that test your temper or comfort. Practicing patience is an act of selfless love, especially in stressful situations.

Gift-Giving: Share with others without the expectation of reciprocation. This might involve sharing knowledge, time, or physical gifts.

Inclusion: Make an effort to include others, especially those who might often feel left out or marginalized.

Encouragement: Regularly encourage others. Identify and affirm the good you see in those around you, which can uplift and inspire them.

Boundaries: It’s important to note that selfless love also respects personal boundaries, both yours and others’. It isn’t self-neglect or martyrdom but a balanced approach to caring.

Remember, the heart of selfless love is genuine concern for others that inspires compassionate actions. It’s a commitment to making the world a kinder, more loving place—one interaction at a time.

Raph Michael

The topic of a diluted mission in the church is a significant issue that deserves careful consideration. It is important to address the concern that some pastors and ministers of God today may be focusing on money and worldly possession instead of staying true to the original purpose of the church.

The mission of the church has always been to share the love of God, bring people to faith, and make disciples of all nations. This mission is rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ and was further emphasized by the early apostles. However, as time has passed, there is a risk of losing sight of this original mission.

One of the main concerns is the increasing focus on prosperity and material wealth within some segments of the church. While there is nothing wrong with financial prosperity, the problem arises when material wealth becomes the primary focus of ministry. When pastors and ministers prioritize financial gain over spiritual growth and the well-being of their congregations, the mission of the church becomes diluted.

Furthermore, the influence of consumer culture and the pursuit of success in the secular world has seeped into some aspects of the church. This can lead to a shift in priorities, where the pursuit of material wealth and worldly success takes precedence over the spiritual needs of the congregation. As a result, the mission of the church becomes diluted, and the original purpose of spreading the message of God’s love and salvation is overshadowed.

It is important to remember that the true mission of the church is to serve and minister to the spiritual needs of the congregation, to share the message of God’s love and grace, and to make disciples who will continue the work of spreading the gospel. When pastors and ministers lose sight of this mission and instead focus on personal gain or worldly success, they are not only diluting the mission of the church but also failing to fulfill their calling as spiritual leaders.

In addressing this issue, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of staying true to the core mission of the church. This requires a recommitment to the teachings of Jesus Christ, a refocusing on spiritual growth and discipleship, and a re-examination of priorities within the church community.

One way to address the problem of a diluted mission is through education and reflection. By studying the scriptures and the teachings of Jesus, pastors and ministers can gain a deeper understanding of the original mission of the church and the role they are called to fulfill. Congregations can also benefit from learning about the true mission of the church and how they can support their leaders in staying true to this mission.

Another important step is to foster a culture of accountability within the church community. By encouraging open dialogue and feedback, pastors and ministers can receive support and guidance from their congregations, helping them to stay focused on the core mission of the church.

Additionally, it is important for church leaders to lead by example. By demonstrating a commitment to spiritual growth and service, pastors and ministers can inspire their congregations to do the same. This can help create a culture within the church that prioritizes the original mission of spreading the love of God and making disciples.

Ultimately, the issue of a diluted mission in the church requires a concerted effort from both pastors and congregations to stay true to the core mission of the church. By recommitting to the teachings of Jesus, fostering a culture of accountability, and leading by example, pastors and ministers can help ensure that the mission of the church remains focused on sharing the message of God’s love and grace.

Isaiah 58:1-14 (NIV):
1 “Shout it aloud, do not hold back. Raise your voice like a trumpet. Declare to my people their rebellion and to the descendants of Jacob their sins.
2 For day after day they seek me out; they seem eager to know my ways, as if they were a nation that does what is right and has not forsaken the commands of its God. They ask me for just decisions and seem eager for God to come near them.
3 ‘Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and you have not seen it? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you have not noticed?’ “Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers.
4 Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists. You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high.
5 Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for people to humble themselves? Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed and for lying in sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord?
…

1. True devotion surpasses mere ritualistic practices: The passage critiques the Israelites for engaging in religious observances without aligning their actions with God’s commandments. It emphasizes that true spirituality involves genuine repentance and righteous living.
2. Addressing social injustice is essential: Isaiah highlights the importance of pursuing justice and fairness, particularly in the treatment of fellow human beings. He condemns exploitation and exploitation of workers, urging believers to prioritize social justice.
3. Authentically seek God’s presence: The passage underscores the disconnect between the Israelites’ outward displays of religious devotion and their inner motivations. Isaiah reminds them that God desires sincere hearts and genuine humility, rather than empty rituals.
4. Practice compassion and generosity: Isaiah emphasizes the responsibility of believers to share their resources with the needy and oppressed. It encourages acts of mercy, extending kindness and providing for those who lack basic necessities.
5. Experience restoration and blessings: By living out these teachings, Isaiah promises that the people will experience restoration, healing, and favor from God. The passage conveys the message that true obedience and righteous living lead to God’s blessings and a renewed relationship with Him.

A Case Study of the teachings in Isaiah 58:

In summary, Isaiah 58 teaches us to prioritize genuine repentance and righteous living over mere religious rituals, address social injustices, authentically seek God’s presence, practice compassion and generosity, and experience restoration and blessings through obedience to God’s commands.

Raph Michael