What comes to mind when the word “love” is spoken? Many in this world think of romantic love, a special someone, flowers, giving gifts, passion, and the like. But true love is so much deeper, fuller, and more profound than these simple things. Read the following verses and find out what real love is.
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. Love never ends. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13
Do you treat others in this way? Your loved ones, parents, children, extended family, and all others around you that you come in contact with? The verses above describe “real love”. Where does this real love come from? Do you have this real love, or do you find yourself doing the opposite? This love only comes from God.
Consider these few questions if you can not find this kind of love in your life. It may seem confusing at first, but I am going somewhere with this line of questioning. Follow along, and you will see.
How many lies have you told in your life? Have you ever stolen anything that was not yours, no matter the value? Do you covet other people’s possessions, or are you jealous of others in some way? Have you ever hated anyone? Jesus said that if you hate someone, you have committed murder in your heart already. Have you ever lusted after anyone?
Jesus also said, “You have heard it of old you shall not commit adultery, but I say to you if you look at a woman to lust after her, you have committed adultery already in your heart!” Matthew 5:27-28
If you are honest, you must say that you don’t display this “Real Love” very often, especially to those you do not like. Did you know that this description of “Love” is what God considers to be true love and acting out oppositely; lying, stealing, coveting, hating, and lusting is breaking God’s Law, the Ten Commandments, and is not loving at all.
God commands you to follow His Law and do good and not evil. Some day, you will die and stand before God and be judged by every action, word, thought, and motivation of your heart. He will find you guilty of your crimes, breaking His Law. Unfortunately, you will be sentenced to His place of punishment called Hell, just like everyone who is found guilty. I don’t want you to go there!
For all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God. Romans 3:23 And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, Hebrews 9:27
But did you know that God did something great and wonderful for you so you would not be doomed to such a horrible place of torment? He sent someone to die in your place because even though you were an enemy to Him, Jesus Christ loves you.
John 3:16,17 says, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him.
He sent His only son, Jesus Christ, to earth to live a perfect life. He never sinned or dishonored God. That way, He could offer Himself as a perfect sacrifice for the forgiveness of your sins. He suffered and died on the cross to pay for your sins. He took the punishment that you deserve, as well as taking the entire Wrath of God for you. Again, this is because He loves you.
But you have to confess your sins in repentance, turning away from your life of sin and trusting entirely in Him for your salvation. God is a righteous Judge, and you are a criminal in His eyes. But Jesus stepped into the courtroom of Heaven and said, “I love you so much I will take your punishment.”
What you need to do right now is confess your sins to God and turn away from your life of sin, which is called repentance. Accept the free gift He is offering to give you, and believe He is God. Believe that He can save you from eternal punishment in Hell.
I am talking about your eternal soul. Please carefully consider this today. You do not know when you will die. It may be this week, tonight, or today. Over 150,000 people die every day worldwide. Humble yourself before the Lord and repent of your sins. Turn to God and seek Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
He promises that if you seek Him, you will find Him, and He will save you. Do it today and read the Bible daily. I suggest starting in the book of John and obeying what He tells you. Seek to be filled by His Holy Spirit. That is how you can receive His real love, and He will welcome you into Heaven after this life is over. Then forever will you be with the Lord in Heaven, where there are no more hate, pain, suffering, or hurtful ways.
The Soul Sower 