(No, I haven't forgotten about Psalm 23- we'll go back to that on Tuesday- tomorrow, my summer goals).
I believe that there are two different kinds of love. The first love- the love God showed to us; and the second love- the love we are moved to show because of the love God showed to us. While God's love is perfect, our love is imperfect because of our sinful nature.
This passage starts off with "If you love me, you will obey my commands."
It's easy to say we love God when it's convenient, isn't it?
I love you, God, but, I'm angry at you because of my illness.
I love you, God, but I don't have time to spend with you today. Maybe tomorrow.
I love you, God, but I don't trust that you know what you are doing.
I love you, God, but I don't have time to volunteer for you.
I love you, God, and I know you want me to love my neighbor, but I get too much satisfaction from seeing him suffer.
Though our love isn't perfect by any means, God's is. And He shows that love to us even though our love is imperfect.
The passage from John wraps up this way:
He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.
We see God's love around us every day-
The beautiful sunshine he blesses us with.
The gifts we are able to give to others.
Seeing someone help another in need.
Spending time with God in prayer.
Worshipping God.
Seeing His love in tough times.
I love You, God, and help me see Your love everywhere.
Blessings:
-Played in church again today- and I got to play this hymn!
-"Your music makes my hair stand straight up- gives me the chills!"
-Raspberry jam on Whole grain toast.
-Made another one of my amazing smoothies
-My organizing of my room is almost done!
-Dad grilled for dinner.
-Time to read
-Catching up on Skype
Don't really have anything to say, but yeah, I agree. Oh, and the verse reminds me of this song we did in choir last semester: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6RgaPTo4hE.
ReplyDeleteOoh.. something I just thought of - in the hymn it says "If ye love me, keep my commandments" whereas your translation said "If you live me, you will obey my commands." Interesting that up until you posted that translation, I had taken it to mean "If you love me AND keep my commandments..."