Walking in the Presence of GOD’s perfect LOVE

As I prayed for guidance on what the Lord wanted me to share for this blog, He reminded me that we are currently—at the time of writing—in the month of February, the month of love. This question arose: what is love? The dictionary definition of love is an intense emotion of affection, warmth, fondness and regard towards a person or thing.

What is the biblical version of love?

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (ESV) Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

In this passage of scripture, Jesus gives His disciples and followers a clear description of what love is and how it acts. How do we know this description of love is for His followers, the church?

We see Jesus sharing words of comfort to His disciples at the Last Supper. He calls them friends because of the love He has for them in John 15:9-15. (ESV)

As the father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.

During this time, Jesus also declares a new commandment to the disciples. Why is it important for Him to leave a new commandment for the church? The answer is seen here in John 13:34&35 (ESV)

 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.  By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Jesus was the perfect example of love and He demonstrated this love while He was upon this

Earth by preforming many miracles, healing the sick, and giving help to the poor. Then, displaying the greatest act of love, He gave himself over willingly, laying down His life for all generations to be mocked, beaten and hung on the cross so that the world might be saved from sin and destruction. This single act of love should speak louder than any words that could ever be spoken, proving that He loves you.

So, as the body of Christ, His beloved bride, are you walking in Love today? It is so important for us to walk in the presence of His love each day. There are so many people in these last days that have never seen love from another person, let alone seen the love of GOD that should shine through His people. We should shine so bright as John 13:35 says that all people know that we are His disciples. As you spend time with Him in secret, the presence of His love will be seen in you and through you.

Just a word of encouragement that the Lord has put on my heart. Be blessed in Jesus’s name.

Dianna Hummel