If you love . . .

I'm reminded of the game where two people work toward a common goal. The one is blindfolded; the other is giving instructions. Dependence and trust are necessary in this relationship if they are to reach their goal. One can become very disoriented and off track, but the commands of the partner correct the errors and restore the wayward one to the right path.

Christ's "if you love" statements are not statements of manipulation. He doesn't say "If you really loved me then you would . . ." Perhaps a more comprehensive understanding of love would increase our capacity for understanding.

Contrary to what is often taught, love does indeed seek to get. It seeks to be completed, to have needs and desires met. True love gives, but true love depends as well. This structure is presented in John 15 regarding abiding. Each occurrence of "abide" can be substituted with "cling to" or "supply." The structure extends into the usage of "love." The same terminology can be substituted.

As the Father has supplied me, so I supply you. Continue in my supply. 15:9
If you keep My commandments you continue in my love/supply. 15:10
If you love Me keep my commandments. 14:15
(I contend this view of love extends throughout scripture. The greatest command is to cling to the Lord. The second is to supply others. There is no greater love than that a man supply his very life.)

God's commands are His supply. If we loved Him we would listen to the direction He gives us to correct our way. We go through this life viewing the inside of the blindfold, but He opens our eyes to wondrous things from His law. I will run the course of Your commandments. Ps 119.

I separate His commands and laws from His love. To reject His commands is to reject His love. Do I share God's goal for my life - Christlikeness, God's glory, my good, etc.? Do I listen to His commands. If I love Him, I will.

NL 2007-8

Love - Solomon

Love flashes like fire,
the brightest kind of flame.
Many waters cannot quench love,
nor can rivers drown it.

Who better demonstrates than a loving Father.

"Impossibility" highlights God's Power

“Your religious life is to be a series of impossibilities made possible and actual by God’s almighty power.” A. Murray

What seems impossible? Whatever they may be, they are the fronts most ideal for displaying God's unhindered power.