(I thought it would be a very good idea to get this chapter posted today -especially since today is Valentine's Day. I hope you all are having a great day! Happy Valentine's Day to you all!)
Love With All Your Heart
by
Linda Driver
Love is unfailing and unconditional.
Love never fails, fades out, becomes obsolete, or comes to an end.
Lottie used her affection as a powerful tool. She "loved" fervently ad passionately as long as she got her way. Lottie set unrealistic expectations upon the objects of her love. If her loved ones failed to meet these demands, Lottie withdrew her love. Lottie's children always felt that they must earn her love, and they never could quite measure up. When they misbehaved, Lottie would show her disapproval by refusing to give them love. She always emphasized how their behavior embarrassed her. Love to Lottie was a weapon to manipulate and punish.
Ten one day Lottie came face to face with the claims of God's love as found in the Bible:
"Love never fails." 1 Corinthians 13:8
"Let brotherly love continue." Hebrews 13:1
"And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all,
just as we do to you."
1 Thessalonians 3:12
"God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him."
1 John 4:16
"My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth."
1 John 3:18
"Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart."
1 Peter 1:22
"Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ."
2 Thessalonians 3:5
"We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds towards each other."
2 Thessalonians 1:3
"But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection." Colossians 3:14
"And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more
in knowledge and all discernment."
Philippians 1:9
Love does not try to change others or set expectations or demands upon them.
Love accepts others just as they are, with no conditions.
Love does not waver even through the loved one may fail.
Love never fails, never fades out, or becomes obsolete.
Love never comes to an end, love is stronger than death.
Love is a divine principle, a permanent power.
Love conquers all for love is the character of God.
Hi Lisa! I wonder how many of us have met a Lottie in our lives? Or have been one? I know it sure is easier to love people when they agree with me, but my lack of agreement doesn't mean I don't love them.
ReplyDeleteThat's the fine line we have to walk. Jesus loves us all, even when we are being trouble-makers. That's a great lesson right there!
Hope you had a good Valentine's Day :)
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Oh yes- I've seen a but of me in each of the people this book has mentioned- some more than others. Lisa :0)
DeleteI am slowing letting these verses sink deep within me~ Love conquers all for love is the character of God. Hugs~
ReplyDeleteCathy you are so right~ love is the character of God! Lisa :0)
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