Love: According To The World and The Word

Monday, February 08, 2010 Print Article
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Love: According To The World and The Word
Ben Komanapalli Jr.
In the world that we live in today, the word "LOVE" is used with different connotations.

People say:

I love my car.
I love my job (you might not hear that too many times).
I love my house.
I love my wife/husband.
I love my cat/dog.

The word "love" is one of the most widely used, misused or abused word in our daily conversations. It is also used very casually.

The Bible has several scriptures and situations where the WORD love is used to portray how Jesus loved us, sinners! What do you mean when you use the word 'Love'? What does the word 'Love' mean in the Bible?

In most cases when we use the word 'love', we are describing a feeling or emotion we have towards something. The "love" for material things is in actuality an attachment to them. Material things are blessings from God for us to enjoy. (I Timothy 6:17). God gives us things to enjoy them not to love them. We are called to love God and people (Mark 12:30-31).

The "love" that Jesus expects of us is spiritual and transcends our daily activities, likes and dislikes. I Corinthians 13:4-8 provides a comprehensive view of "LOVE". Love is patient with imperfections; active in doing good; it is non-possessive, non-competitive; it promotes the well-being and success of others; it displays no arrogance; it is selfless; it is courteous; it is not irritable; it is graceful under pressure; it does not keep account of evil; it forgives; it finds no satisfaction in the shortcomings of others and spreading an evil report; it constantly promotes, supports and cherishes the good. All these are constant and experience no fluctuations.

Can we be really like this? Yes, this question pops up in my mind from time to time especially when things do not work out in tune with my expectations. Then, as one of my mentors used to advise me, I humble myself and seek the wisdom of the Holy Spirit in prayer before I react to the situation. According to Romans 5:5 we have the 'the love of God' poured out in our hearts. We have the Grace to do what God has called us to do. It is not an easy thing but it is doable. He, who has called us to love has also given us the ability to do so. Once we practice it will become a habit indeed.

As Jesus was being punished and nailed to the cross, He says to His Father, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." Luke 23:34. This is not something that just happened with Jesus. In the books of Acts, we see another example of this kind of love being extended and shown by Stephen. As the martyr Stephen was being stoned to death because of his faith, his dying prayer was, "Lord, do not charge them with this sin." (Acts 7:60). You will notice the spirit of forgiveness in both instances. WE need to cultivate the spirit of forgiveness if we say we love our neighbor.

Never give room to doubt if it is possible. The Bible shows us that it is possible. When you think you cannot Love, seek the WORD because the WORLD is looking at you!

"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love" 1 John 4:7-8




Ben Komanapalli Jr. was born and raised in Hyderabad, India where he worked in ministry most of his life. Residing in the United States since July 2002 with a passion to teach God's word and see the lives of people change, Ben is currently attending graduate school pursuing a Masters degree in Organizational Leadership from Regent University while serving as the Director of High School Ministry at Calvary Revival Church in Norfolk, VA, where Bishop B. Courtney McBath is. You can find Ben blogging at benkomanapalli.blogspot.com.

© Ben Komanapalli Jr. all rights reserved.