LOVE

Scripture Reading: John 15: 9-17

In our Scripture reading today did you notice how many times the word “Love” was repeated? No doubt you have also noticed, as I have, that in today?s society how overused and misused is that word. “I just love these new shoes!” “I'd love to see that movie with you.” “Make love Not war!” Somehow, I doubt that was what Jesus intended when he told us in John 15:12.

The Love which we as Christians are commanded to have for one another, and by extension the world which God created, is of a more wholesome and pure quality; God?s pure Love; a deep seated and heartfelt concern for the well being and support of those with whom we wiLL interact daily as well as a deep interest in the welt being of those we encounter in the news from the lands far from our homes.

As Christians God loves us and fills us with his love. As we spread around that love which we contain from God, He faithfulLy replaces that which we have dispensed. It need not even be a difficult or onerous task for us. In fact, Scripture gives us two insights as to how we spread God?s love without aLways know we are doing it.

In Luke 6:38 Jesus said, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over.” Running over. Like a cup that is fiLLed to the brim and beyond, spilLing its contents in aLl directions as soon as you try to move it. Little wonder that everyone and anyone nearby wilL get drenched.

Paul gives us another illustration. “For God who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,? made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” (2 Cor. 4:6-7) Some commentators tell us that the Greek words Paul used for ‘jars of clay? Literally mean, “flawed vessels” or “cracked pots” to signify that even though we are damaged by our sinfuL nature and the scars our pre-Chnstian life has inflicted upon us, God?s Love and power still teaks out of us to benefit the world in which we walk.