Several years ago, I found a piece of jewelry with the inscription, “TRUE LOVE WAITS.” At the time I couldn’t help but wonder about its’ backstory. Had someone been heartbroken when they realized they had lost it? Had someone been heartbroken and discarded it? or, Had it ever reached the intended party in the first place? Today I consider those inscribed words from a different perspective.
It is often said that love is not just what you say; it’s what you do. So true! Truer still, is the fact that love is not only what we say and do; but, the very intent with which we say and do it. As another saying also goes, “Love can make you do some crazy things.” Howbeit, because God’s name is both LOVE and TRUTH; TRUE LOVE neither leads us to sin, nor causes us to sin. Moreover, true love never seeks to justify sin. Instead, having convicted our hearts regarding our sin nature, our true love for God, ushers us into a place of CONFESSION and REPENTANCE, that our feet be not quick to run to do evil. Simply put, true love not only calls on God in the time of need (action/doing); TRUE LOVE WAITS ON GOD (belief/intent).
No matter how we choose to express love, whether in word or deed (it takes both); perfect, enduring love is always built on the solid foundation of RIGHTEOUS intent. Righteous intent indulges not in the desires of the uncircumcised heart; but rather, yields to God’s plan and process, which never includes sin.
It may seem a little weird to some that I would express my love for God with the following sentiment, but . . .
How does one know this for certain? Most Christians, if asked, would probably say, “simple, because He first loved me.” And rightly so, according to John 3:16. But also, true in my personal journey, is Ezekiel Ch. 16. I gotta say Thank You LORD, for as it was so in the abominations, it is likewise so unto the covenant. I may never know the intent behind the inscription on that piece of jewelry, but I am forever grateful for the intention with which God inscribed my name on the palm of His hand: Salvation!
Heavenly Father, Thank You for my life. Especially on this my 56th birthday: Thank You for the gracious gift of another year of life, and each of the 365 mornings wherein You bestowed unto me, new mercies. Most of all, Thank You for a true and perfect love that not only redeems, it restores.
It is often said that love is not just what you say; it’s what you do. So true! Truer still, is the fact that love is not only what we say and do; but, the very intent with which we say and do it. As another saying also goes, “Love can make you do some crazy things.” Howbeit, because God’s name is both LOVE and TRUTH; TRUE LOVE neither leads us to sin, nor causes us to sin. Moreover, true love never seeks to justify sin. Instead, having convicted our hearts regarding our sin nature, our true love for God, ushers us into a place of CONFESSION and REPENTANCE, that our feet be not quick to run to do evil. Simply put, true love not only calls on God in the time of need (action/doing); TRUE LOVE WAITS ON GOD (belief/intent).
No matter how we choose to express love, whether in word or deed (it takes both); perfect, enduring love is always built on the solid foundation of RIGHTEOUS intent. Righteous intent indulges not in the desires of the uncircumcised heart; but rather, yields to God’s plan and process, which never includes sin.
It may seem a little weird to some that I would express my love for God with the following sentiment, but . . .
I am more in love with Him each and every day.
How does one know this for certain? Most Christians, if asked, would probably say, “simple, because He first loved me.” And rightly so, according to John 3:16. But also, true in my personal journey, is Ezekiel Ch. 16. I gotta say Thank You LORD, for as it was so in the abominations, it is likewise so unto the covenant. I may never know the intent behind the inscription on that piece of jewelry, but I am forever grateful for the intention with which God inscribed my name on the palm of His hand: Salvation!
Heavenly Father, Thank You for my life. Especially on this my 56th birthday: Thank You for the gracious gift of another year of life, and each of the 365 mornings wherein You bestowed unto me, new mercies. Most of all, Thank You for a true and perfect love that not only redeems, it restores.
PERFECT LOVE
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