Posts Tagged ‘christian’
Jesus Love
Monday, September 26th, 2011
Cultivating the Love of God
Have you ever wondered why some people are repelled by Christians? Many believers may want to say that being a Christian convicts non-believers of their sin. However, in many cases, it is because they find them proud, arrogant, judgmental, or self-righteous. Thus, there is now a popular saying that is circulating about Christians, we are “known more for what we are against rather than by what we believe…” What a painful rebuke! But there is truth to it that we cannot deny.
God has indeed commanded Christians to preach The Gospel to the ends of the earth and to make disciples of men. This task involves teaching, as well as correcting and rebuking others as God’s Spirit leads. But teaching or correcting others according to the teachings of Jesus must always be done in love. John 13:35 tells us that unbelievers will know we are Christians by our love. This part however, is not easy because as Christians, we also have things in ourselves that we are working to change.
How does one cultivate the love of God in the heart so that we could draw others to God by our very countenance and actions?
Asking the Holy Spirit
Romans 5:5 tells us that “hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” No matter how good we are, true love that has the power to transform lives can only come from the God’s Spirit. Luke 19:9-13 tells us that if we ask God, he will give us his Holy Spirit. Cultivating love, therefore, begins with asking God humbly, to “pour out his love on our hearts.”
Being Grateful
Gratefulness towards God leads to love towards men. In Luke 7:47, Jesus said that the one who has been forgiven much loves much. In our Christian walk, we must always remind ourselves of what God has done for us. This is not so as to bring feelings of guilt and remorse upon recollection of our past sinful state, but rather, to cultivate gratefulness in our hearts. Matthew 10:8 says “…Freely you have received; freely give.” The more we are aware of the grace God has bestowed on us, the more we are able give love to others.
Staying Humble
Acknowledgement of our weaknesses and shortcomings is good because it cultivates gratefulness; and it also creates empathy for those who might be struggling with weaknesses as well. This is another key to cultivating the love of God in our hearts.
No matter how mature we become in the faith, we will have struggles that keep us always desperate for God’s grace. These struggles keep our feet on the ground and our hearts humble before men.
One of the reasons why we become proud and self-righteous in dealing with others is because we forget how much Jesus has suffered for our sins. Sometimes, we forget that it was completely by grace through faith that we have been saved. We start thinking that we somehow deserve the merits of this blessed Christian walk.
Just imagine if we can all walk in humility before God and men. Perhaps, the next time challenges our patience, we will feel compassion instead of anger upon remembering how terrible life is without Jesus.
Never Failing to Forgive
Matthew 7:1 reminds us to not judge others so that we too will not be judged. The Lord’s prayer teaches us that God forgives our sins as we have forgiven others who have wronged us. Forgiveness is an expression of God’s love and we find ourselves able to forgive others when we are most aware of how much we have been forgiven. That is why it is important to stay grateful and humble. It’s a wonderful cycle that leaves no room for boasting. Christianity thrives on gratefulness for the cross of Christ.
There will be times, of course, when we would feel that no matter how hard we try, it is just difficult to love others the way Jesus Loves us. During such times, we must not condemn ourselves for falling short. Instead, we should use it to seek God and receive his forgiveness. Remember, he who is forgiven much, loves much. And 1 Peter 4:8 assures us that love covers a multitude of sins.
As we learn to walk in love more and more, more people will respond to the Gospel that we preach with our mouths because they have already seen it at work in our lives. This is exactly What Jesus is saying by “we will be known by our love” — that the Gospel is preached effectively if we live it rather than just speak it. As 1 Corinthians 13 says, “love never fails.” If we keep on loving others, it is bound to be felt by them. People will always recognize genuine compassion. Thus, this is the challenge and joy given to us as Christians: to pursue a life that radiates God’s love, because as Dwight L. Moody said, “Of one hundred men, one will read the Bible and ninety nine will read the Christian.”
About the Author
Jesus said I will keep thee in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on me. Learn how to eliminate worry, negative thinking, and stress by meditating on the Lord. Listen to Christ-centered meditation Cds that teach you how to take authority over your thoughts and bring them under the kingdom of God. Visit The
Christian Meditator
for Christian meditation resources and tools.
Jesus is Love
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Be Still and Know That I Am God Inspirational Coffee Mug $16.99 Start your day out right with some inspiration. Psalm 46:10 of the Bible is featured on the front of this coffee mug. The bright colors and beautiful designs bring a cheerful sensation to this coffee mug. Great gift idea for loved one!… |
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Apron : JESUS LOVES ME AND I’M IRISH TOO JESUS LOVES ME AND I’M IRISH TOO Print dimensions approximately 7″ x 8″.PORT AUTHORITY FULL-LENGTH APRON : 65/35 poly/cotton for easier care. Unique adjustable fitting system allows for a tailored look throughout with the pull of a single strap. 2 patch pockets with a pen pocket. Measures 22″w x 30″l View all available styles with this design. View all items by Top Dog Shirts…. |
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SMILE JESUS LOVES YOU TOTE (1 DOZEN) – BULK $19.99 Vinyl “Smile! Jesus Loves You!” Tote Bags. Each with a snap closure. 8″ x 8″ with 4 1/2″ handles…. |
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Joyful Noise $8.06 All products are BRAND NEW and factory sealed. Fast shipping and 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed…. |
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Joyful Noise: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack $8.99 … |
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I Love Jesus Badge Holder(Case of 48) $191.52 “I Love Jesus” Badge Holder(Case of 48) |
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Jesus Christ Superstar: Sing-along $22.6 New – This work includes a CD with backing tracks. The songs include: “Heaven On Their Minds”; “Everything’s Alright”; “Hosanna”; “Pilate’s Dream”; “I Know Know How To Love Him”; “The Last Supper”; “I Only Want To Say”; “King Herod’s Song”; and,”Superstar”. |
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Jesus Christ Superstar: Sing-along $22.6 Used – This work includes a CD with backing tracks. The songs include: “Heaven On Their Minds”; “Everything’s Alright”; “Hosanna”; “Pilate’s Dream”; “I Know Know How To Love Him”; “The Last Supper”; “I Only Want To Say”; “King Herod’s Song”; and,”Superstar”. |
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Love Your Enemies $198.26 Used – Jesus commanded Christians to love their enemies in Luke 6: 27, but Christians have struggled with this teaching. Piper says that behind Jesus’ words lies an ancient ethical instruction, and its message demonstrates that we are not to choose whom to love. |
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Love Your Enemies $115.99 Used – Jesus commanded Christians to love their enemies in Luke 6: 27, but Christians have struggled with this teaching. Piper says that behind Jesus’ words lies an ancient ethical instruction, and its message demonstrates that we are not to choose whom to love. |
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Love Your Enemies $139.95 New – Jesus commanded Christians to love their enemies in Luke 6: 27, but Christians have struggled with this teaching. Piper says that behind Jesus’ words lies an ancient ethical instruction, and its message demonstrates that we are not to choose whom to love. |
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Love Your Enemies $117.97 Used – Jesus commanded Christians to love their enemies in Luke 6: 27, but Christians have struggled with this teaching. Piper says that behind Jesus’ words lies an ancient ethical instruction, and its message demonstrates that we are not to choose whom to love. |
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Love Your Enemies $117.99 Used – Jesus commanded Christians to love their enemies in Luke 6: 27, but Christians have struggled with this teaching. Piper says that behind Jesus’ words lies an ancient ethical instruction, and its message demonstrates that we are not to choose whom to love. |
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Love Your Enemies $67.75 Used – Jesus commanded Christians to love their enemies in Luke 6: 27, but Christians have struggled with this teaching. Piper says that behind Jesus’ words lies an ancient ethical instruction, and its message demonstrates that we are not to choose whom to love. |
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”Awesome” Is He ”Jesus Christ” $29.98 “CELEBRATE!” THE “LORD,” HAS HANDED US, THE “WORLD,”AND OUR HEARTS DESIRES, ON A SILVER PLATTER. NEVER, BE AFRAID, TO ASK, “JESUS CHRIST,” FOR GUIDANCE. NEVER HESITATE,TO ADMIT, TO YOURSELF, AND TO THE LORD, YOU NEED HELP! WE”ALL,” “EVENTUALLY,” WILL SEEK, THE LORD, FOR A “MIRACLE,” IT’S”INEVITABLE.” EVERYDAY, ISN’T GOING, TO BE A DAY, FILLED WITH,A “BURST OF SUNSHINE OR GLITTERING STARS.” IF EVERYDAY, WAS PERFECT, AND HAPPY GO LUCKY, WE WOULDN’T, NEED “JESUS.” IF EVERYDAY, WAS “PEACHES AND “CREAM,” OR “SUNNY SIDE UP,” “LIFE”WOULD BE “BORING!” “THE LORD, ALLOWS US, TO EXPERIENCE,LIFE LESSONS.” IT MAKES US, “STRONGER,” MENTALLY AND SPIRITUALLY. IT ALLOWS US, TO APPRECIATE, HOW WONDERFUL,THE “LORD,” REALLY IS. “HE” TRUELY, BLESSES US, EVERYDAY! IT’S NOT ONLY, THE “BIG” BLESSING, BUT “LITTLE” BLESSING, ARE JUST AS BEAUTIFUL! “HIS” LOVE, IS ABUNDANT AND MIGHTY! “NEVER”TAKE THE “LORD,” FOR “GRANTED!” |
