"Pure Love" A Work of God

Mankind, especially those in Christian circles, has a problem with perspective. They are not sure how to love scripturally. Love is a spiritual fruit, which is produced by the Holy Ghost as walk in obedience to the Word of God. It is a scriptural work that we cannot produce no matter how hard we try.

When we try to love through our own performance, we will fail. That's when we feel guilt and worthlessness. That's when our peace leaves us. We need to understand that being a child of God is the greatest privilege on earth today.

Every believer should be full of joy and peace. When we know that you have been regenerated by the Spirit of God, that our sins have been forgiven, that we are the righteousness of God, that our future is in place and secure, then what is there to look down about?

Our society has several philosophies regarding love, and they are all wrong. Hollywood teaches that love just happens. Love is not something that you work at, that takes time and effort to develop, it just happens. It is not a thinking thing or a choice of the will, it just happens. And when it happens, you hear music and see lights, and it is just so wonderful.

I don't have a problem with what "just happens"; the problem comes when what "just happens" doesn't happen anymore. What happens when the bright light turns gray or goes out completely? What happens when the music stops and the feelings die out? If you look at Hollywood, you will see exactly what happens. Husbands leave their wives and marry someone else. The problem is that love was just a happening.

The world also embraces a Playboy philosophy. In this case, love is getting. It means getting all you can get out of the other person. Playboy love uses a person to satisfy his own needs, then when it is over, they move on.

If we look at the bible, we will see that love is not "getting", it is giving. It is not feeling or selfish desire, it is something we do for someone else. Ephesians 5:23 says "…even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it." John 3:16 says, "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son…"

If you enemy is hungry, you should "give" him something to eat, and if he is thirsty, "give" him a drink. Love does not depend on how we feel, it just gives. The feelings follow.

Love is always under control. That is why Christ commands us to love our enemies. It is not like the preacher who said he could not help but commit fornication with the young women in his congregation. That lie won't work with Christ.

When it comes to dealing with people, whether enemies, friends or loved ones, we cannot sit around trying to create some feeling. We've got to act by giving something. Give your enemy a drink; give your family time and interest.

1 John 4:19 says we love him because he first loved us. This is where love begins. The church can love because Christ first loved her. It was not because the church was so loving that Christ couldn't help but love her. The scripture says that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for is Romans 5:8). In spite of all our problems, Christ loved us.

The husband is commanded to love his wife the same way Christ loves the church. In spite of it all, the husband must set his love upon his wife. Love starts with the husband. Christ commanded the husband to love the wife, and the wife to respond submissively to that love. If love has grown cold in the home, it is chiefly the fault of the husband. Even if the wife doesn't love, the husband can begin by giving. I believe that as we honor God in this area, God will empower us to overcome every barrier in bringing joy and peace to our home.

Jealous husbands need to change. Domineering wives need to change. Manipulating, fussing and selfishness need to cease.

Love is something solid; it doesn't fluctuate up and down like feelings do. You can depend on love to succeed. It may mean ministering to others like Christ did when He washed the disciples' feet. It may means giving a cool glass of water to your fainting enemy.

You can have pure love, but not by your own efforts. It is a work of God. Give up and let God do it.