As YOU Wish

It's the first part of February and 'love' is in the air.  Have you really given much thought to that word LOVE?  Oh sure, I love my wife but I also love spaghetti...  Are we talking about the same kind of love?  I don't think so.  In fact, I would suggest that many people don't even know what true love is.


One of my family’s favorite films is The Princess Bride, where the hero and heroine fight for ‘true love’ despite the difficulties life throws in their path.  One of my favorite quotes is when Wesley responds to any of his love’s requests with “As you wish.”  As you wish… shouldn't this be the response of true love.


You see, true love doesn't come from within us, as the world considers love.  True love can only be from God. Apart from Him it is impossible for us to know what love truly is.  Yes, I know that lots of people have "found" love and refuse to acknowledge God.  Atheists, Hindus, Muslims, and others would likely boast of having love, but do they. Can they?


This is what God says:

• 1 John 5:2-3 – “By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and observe His commandments.  For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome.”
• 2 John 6 – “And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments.  This is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, that you should walk in it.”

If love = observing, keeping, & walking according to the commandments of God (the word is obedience) and we choose NOT to obey how can we say we love?  Jesus is the epitome of love.  He demonstrated love when He died on the cross for the sins of men while we were actively rebelling against Him. (Rom. 5:8).  He provides us an example of love in His submission to the heavenly Father: “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.” [John 6:38].This is true love.  


To make sure we understand love Jesus explained, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND. This is the great and foremost commandment.’” [Mt. 22:34-38].  When we love God with ALL our heart, soul, and mind, it means we say, "As you wish." to every command that God gives us.  True love gives God everything: wherever, whenever, whatever.


For the full message shared on 02-05-2012 at the First Church of God - Racine, WI go to:
http://www.esnips.com/displayimage.php?pid=33553327