TRANSFORMING LOVE: GOD LOVES YOU WITH A HOLY LOVE, PART 4

 

TRANSFORMING LOVE

GOD LOVES YOU WITH A “HOLY” LOVE, Part 4

“... [No]… greater love…than this…” (John 15:13 KJV).

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Showing honor becomes synonymous to expressing and demonstrating DIVINE love. “…You are honored…[and]… I love you (I value or respect you)…” (Isaiah 43:4 NLT). “…Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in HONOR…” (Romans 12:10 NASB).

When something happens to cause conflict between two people, the one who feels they have been done wrong will be concerned with his or her feelings instead of the other persons. “…DO NOT repay evil with evil or insult with insult…” (1 Peter 3:9 NIV). “...Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath of God, for it is written: "Vengeance belongeth unto to me; I will recompense (repay)," saith the Lord…” (Romans 12:19 ASV).

The first response to conflict or a misunderstanding is usually criticism, rudeness, arguments, or tearing the other person down. “…We know the one who said, “I will take revenge. I will pay them back.” He also said, “The Lord will judge his own people…” (Hebrews 10:30-31 NLT). “…It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God…: (Hebrews 10:31 NIV).

This behavior is not a demonstration of Godly love and totally misrepresents the ongoing respectfulness of God’s HOLY ways. God’s people show honor to PLEASE HIM and keep HIS HOLY command. “…then THE WAY YOU LIVE will always honor and PLEASE the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. …” (Colossians 1:9-10 NLT).

Rudeness is NOT and is NEVER an example of true love. “...Love ...does not dishonor others (is not rude)...” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV).  

God’s love is not self-seeking, but self-sacrificing. “…LOVE... is not self-seeking…” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV).  “…God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV).

“…[God, the Holy Spirit]...spared not his own Son, [from suffering, out of LOVE,] but delivered him up for us all (the LOST and SPIRITUALLY DEAD souls)?” (Romans 8:32 KJV).

“... Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (substitute, intervention, atonement, etc.) for our sins.” (1 John 4:10 KJV).

“… the just for the unjust, that he might BRING US [BACK]... to God…” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV).  “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “...And I will bring [my people]... home again,” says the Lord….” (HOSEA 11 NLT).

God, the Holy Spirit, didn’t want mankind to perish. “….[God through Jesus (the Word) CAME (to earth) because HE was], NOT WILLING that any should perish, but that ALL should come to repentance…” (2 Peter 3:9 KJV).

“…[God]…sent His Son...” (1 John 4:10 KJV).  “… [He sent the] …one … who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus (god’s  unselfish goodness to mankind)…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).

“…my righteous servant (God through Jesus, expressed and demonstrated his LOVE toward mankind) ... [and made]... it possible for many to be counted righteous, for [BORE]... all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT).

When you give up your life through the “…death…” of self or “…death [upon].. the cross…” like Jesus did, it’s the GREATEST example of self-sacrificing love (Philippians 2:7 KJV). 

Jesus abandoned any personal interest of his own for the well-being of his people. The bible says, “….For Christ pleased not himself…” (Romans 15:3 KJV).“...Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13 KJV).

“...  perceive ... the love of God [through jesus], because he laid down his life for [mankind]...” (1 John 3:16 KJV). “... [God through]...Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And ...he was buried, and ...he rose again the third day ...” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4 KJV).

“..[God through]...Christ also died for sins ONCE for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us [BACK] to [himself], having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit...” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB).

“ ... Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (substitute, intervention) for our sins.” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…There is no greater love…” (John 15:13 NLT).

God, the holy spirit’s, word expresses and demonstrates the depth of his unselfish love and care for his people. “...he careth for [them]…” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “... The LORD “WILL” accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [them]…” (John 14:31 NASB).

“...Casting all your care upon him...” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV).  “...he careth for you…” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “…The name of the Lord is a strong tower (REFUGE); The righteous runs into it and is safe…” (Proverbs 18:10 NASB).

“…God is [his people’s]... refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble…” (Psalms 46:1 NASB). “…[they] will [always]...find rest for [their]... souls…” (Matthew 11:29 NASB).

Love is always costly and therefore, self-sacrifice God, through Jesus, literally laid down his entire life for you. “ ... he laid down his life for us...” (1 John 3:16 KJV). Jesus chose to laid down his life for God’s purpose. “… I [laid]... down my life... No one [took]... it from me, but I [laid]... it down of my own accord (my own choice). I [was given]... authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command (authority, choice) I received from my Father…” (John 10:17-18 KJV).

The Old Testament records stories of God’s self-sacrificing LOVE toward his people and their continuous sinful behavior. “…They defiled themselves by their evil deeds, and their love of idols was adultery in the Lord’s sight. That is why the Lord’s anger burned against his people, and he abhorred his own special possession. He handed them over to pagan nations, and they were ruled by those who hated them. Their enemies crushed them and brought them under their cruel power. Again and again he rescued them, but they chose to rebel against him, and they were finally destroyed by their sin…” (Psalm 106:39-43 NLT).

“…. Again and again he rescued them, but they chose to rebel against him, and they were finally destroyed by their sin. Even so, he pitied them in their distress and listened to their cries. He remembered his covenant with them and relented because of his unfailing love. He even caused their captors to treat them with kindness. Save us, O Lord our God! Gather us back from among the nations, so we can thank your holy name and rejoice and praise you. Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, who lives from everlasting to everlasting! Let all the people say, “Amen!” Praise the Lord!” (Psalms 106:42-48 NLT).

“…He remembered his covenant with them and relented because of his unfailing love…” (Psalms 106:42-48 NLT).

“…[In HIS] ... love and in His mercy He redeemed them (again)…” (Isaiah 63:9 NASB). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

God gets angry at sin, but not his people. He continues to love them even when they shut him out of their lives.

God’s love is patiently self-sacrificing, but he knows his people’s hearts and knows when they have made a permanent lifestyle choice to leave or depart from him. “... who then ..[CHOSE TO] ... turn away from God …” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT). “...Take heed, BRETHREN (citizens of Heaven or ambassadors of Christ), lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God...” (Hebrews 3:12 KJV).

“...If ye ...[CHOOSE TO] .... continue in the faith (OR continue to STAY with God) ... and be not moved away  (BE NOT DEPARTED) from the hope of the gospel, (God’s people will stay in the WAY or on the right PATH)...” (Colossians 1:22-23 KJV). “... Jesus saith…I am the way…” (John 14:6 KJV).

Out of loving honor and respect for his people’s choices he gives them over to a reprobate (depraved) mind. A reprobate mind is the only kind of mind you can have without God. . "… I hate divorce," says the LORD, the God of Israel..." (Malachi 2:16 NASB). “…[Yet]...GOD GAVE THEM OVER to a reprobate mind (to apostasy) to do those things which are convenient...being filled with all unrighteousness...” (Romans 1:28 KJV).

A reprobate mind indicates that his people have chosen to follow after the OWN sinful desires to the fullest extent and have stubbornly decided not heed to God’s corrective directions. “…, …We will continue to live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT). “… my people have stubborn and rebellious hearts. They have turned away and ABANDONED me….” (JEREMIAH 5:23 NLT). “…They kept doing whatever they wanted…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).

God’s people are NOT getting away with wrongdoing, but “...the Lord is slow to anger and great in power …[but the Lord] will not at all acquit the wicked…” (Nahum 1:3, Exodus 34:7, Numbers 14:18 KJV).

God through Jesus laid down his life so his people could live a holy life FREE from sin. He is long suffering toward them even though he has already died for them. “...Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?...” (Romans 2:4 ASV).

God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus died a shameful death upon the cross and yet he STILL waits patiently (long-suffering) for the unrepentant to receive salvation. “...And account that the long-suffering of our Lord is salvation…” (2 Peter 3:15 KJV).

God “….is ... NOT WILLING that any should perish, but that ALL should come to repentance…” (2 Peter 3:9 KJV). However, “…EXCEPT YE REPENT, ye shall all likewise PERISH…” (Luke 13:3 KJV).

God didn’t send Jesus to condemn the world, but to SAVE them. “…He that believeth on him is not condemned: but HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT IS CONDEMNED ALREADY, because HE HATH NOT BELIEVED in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And THIS IS THE CONDEMNATION, that light is come into the world, and MEN LOVED DARKNESS RATHER THAN LIGHT, because THEIR DEEDS WERE EVIL. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved…” (John 3:18-20 KJV).

Jesus was NOT self-seeking, but chose to laid down his life to SAVE the lost and spiritual dead souls. “… I [laid]... down my life... No one [took]... it from me, but I [laid]... it down of my own accord (my own choice). I [was given]... authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command (authority, choice) I received from my Father…” (John 10:17-18 KJV).

God’s self-sacrificing love, expressed and demonstrated through Jesus, REMAINS the SAME. ^“Jesus Christ  (the Word of God) is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV).

“…[God through]...Christ (was NOT self-seeking, but sacrificed EVERYTHING when he) ...suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring ...[mankind back] to God …” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV).

God’s love is always self-sacrificing. ““…LOVE... is not self-seeking…” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV).  

God’s love is not easily provoked or easily angered, but peaceful. “…LOVE is not easily angered…” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV). God’s love instantly and peacefully “... [covers]…a multitude of sins…” instead of reacting with an outburst of anger (1 Peter 4:8 ASV). God is extremely “…slow to anger [because He is] abundant in lovingkindness and truth….” (Psalm 86:15 ASV).

God is not easily provoked or angered since HE overflows with SUCH GREAT love that it slows, arrests, and calms anger until HIS PEACE overpowers it. “...And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and thoughts in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7 ASV). “…LOVE is not easily angered…” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV).

God’s love does not keep a record of wrongs.  “…LOVE keeps no record of wrongs…” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV).

God through Jesus expresses and demonstrates his willingness to erase the record of wrongs committed by sinners through FORGIVENESS. Jesus said, “…Father, forgive them…” (Luke 23:34 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit is a FORGIVING God, which means HE is MERCIFUL because he withholds FAIR and JUST punishment from mankind for their many transgressions against HIM. “…The Lord God, [IS] merciful …” (Exodus 34:6 KJV).

“…Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…” (Micah 7:18 KJV). “…Mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB).

The sinful nature lead mankind to become wretched, guilty, and depraved sinners SEPARTED from God, the Holy Spirit, with NO possible BACK to HIM.

However. God, the Holy Spirit, through his MERCIFUL FORGIVENESS COMES to help mankind through Jesus Christ. “…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). “…The Lord helps them, rescuing them from the wicked. He saves them, and they find shelter in him…” (Psalms 37:40 NLT). “… The Sovereign Lord helps me…” (Isaiah 50:7 NLT).

SALVATION is an expression of God’s MERCIFUL FORGIVENESS, through Jesus “…God so loved the world that HE GAVE his only begotten Son…” (John 3:16 KJV). God “…spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all….?”(Romans 8:32 KJV).  “...[Jesus]... said, It is finished…” (John 19:28-30 KJV). “… I lay down my life... [FOR YOU] …” (John 10:17-18 KJV).  Jesus did “…not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many (MERCIFUL FORGIVENESS)...” (Matthew 20:28 KJV). “...

“... God ...loved [his people]... and SENT His SON to be the propitiation (substitute, intervention) for [their]... sins.” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…There is no greater love …” (John 15:13 NLT).

Godly love chooses to focus on forgiveness and blotting “…out …[your] transgression and remember[ing] not… [your] sins… (Isaiah 43:25, Hebrews 8:12, 10:17 ASV).

God is not talking about allowing people to walk over you or abuse you. God is saying don’t keep a record of wrongs, but choose walk in forgiveness rather bitterness.“ ....if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you...” (Matthew 6:14 NIV).  “... And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins...” (Mark 11:25 NIV).

“...Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven...” (Luke 6:37 NIV). “...Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you...” (Ephesians 4:32 NIV). “... Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you...” (Colossians 3:13 NIV).

 “... See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many...” (Hebrews 12:15 NIV).  “….[Choose to]…let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice…” (Ephesians 4:31 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit, keeps no record of wrongs in order to provide an ongoing opportunity for everyone who decides to seek his forgiveness. “…Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, …” (Micah 7:18 KJV). “…confess [your] sins, he is faithful and just to forgive … [your]… sins, and to cleanse [you]… from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9 KJV).

God keeps no record of wrongs and out of a loving desire to demonstrate MERCIFUL FORGIVENESS he wants mankind to come to “…the knowledge of the truth... [or] come to repentance…” (1 Timothy 2:4, 2 Peter 3:9 ASV).  

God’s love does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices in truth. God finds happiness in what is right and holy and not the opposite.

If you happen to be reaping the wrong you sowed or are feeling guilty over a sinful act, or feeling anxious over a mistake, God’s love will never rejoice in those moments.

Moments of self-reflections for the mistakes or wrongs committed against God is a time for regret, sadness, disappointment, or sorrow and not rejoicing. In those moments God’s love continues filled with compassion, mercy, and grace, but does not rejoice in the restitution that life is CERTAIN to RETURN for unrighteous behavior (Proverbs 12:22).

 God loves his people, but not their practice of unrighteous behavior. God only delights and rejoices in truth, especially when the truth is “…in …[his people’s] inward parts…” (Psalm 51:6 KJV). God “…..[takes]... no pleasure in wickedness [or unrighteousness]…. (Psalm 5:4 KJV).

“… [God, the Holy Spirit] can not look on wickedness with favor…” (Habakkuk 1:13 NASB). “… [God, the Holy Spirit’s]... eyes are too pure to approve (accept) evil…” (Habakkuk 1:13 NASB). “…Because of YOUR SINS, [God, the Holy Spirit has] … turned away and can… not listen anymore [because he is in the spiritual realm and YOU are not]…” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT).

“…Your INIQUITIES (sins) … [can separate] … you and your God [the Holy Spirit]…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV).  “... And besides all this, between us and you [there is] a great chasm (barrier) …” (Luke 16:22-25 NASB

God does not rejoice in unrighteousness.

 “… [God’s]…love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth…” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV).

God knows unrighteousness or sinful practices means a person is UNDER the POWER of the evil one, is his servant, and is a child of the devil.  “...We know … that the whole world lies under the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19 RSV). “…Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” (Romans 6:16 KJV).

“...the one who practices sin is of the devil ... No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of GOD...” (1 John 3:7-10 NASB).

Instead of REJOICING over the misfortunate sinful practices bring, God’s love motivates him to help people overcome unrighteousness.  “...HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…” (Micah 7:18 KJV). “…Mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB).  

Therefore, “…He helps [people]…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). “…The Lord helps them, rescuing them from the wicked. He saves them, and they find shelter in him…” (Psalms 37:40 NLT). “...Therefore come boldly unto the throne of GRACE, that [you]… may obtain mercy, and find GRACE to help in time of need…” (Hebrews 4:16 KJV).

God’s love bears, believes, hopes, and endures all things. God’s only agenda is love and nothing else. “… [God’s]…love ... always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres…” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV).

It is obvious that God, the Holy Spirit, HOLY, DEVOTED, MERCIFUL, and FORGIVING love holds up under a mountain of offenses, betrayals, unfaithfulness, dishonor, disrespect, untrustworthiness, and evils of all kinds. It “…cover[s] the multitude [of]...sins…” (1 Peter 4:8 KJV).

No matter what sinful behavior God witnesses, if his people CONFESS their sins, he is faithful and just to forgive them. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9 KJV).

“…There is …no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1 NIV). “….mercy triumphs over judgement…” (James 2:13 NASB).“…My GRACE is sufficient for [my people]: for my strength is made perfect in [their] weakness...” (2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV). “… he remains faithful [and just], for he cannot deny who he is…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT).

God’s people MESS-UP multiple times, but God NEVER condemns or judges them. He expresses and demonstrates his LOVE, for them, instead. God’s MERCY toward mankind is all through the bible. “…There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus…” (Romans 8:1 KJV). “…There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. ….” (John 3:18 NLT). “…Mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB).

King DAVID MESSED-UP, but asked God for MERCY.  “...Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me...Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit...Deliver me from bloodguiltiness...” (Psalms 51 KJV).

King David KNEW God, the Holy Spirit, would have MERCY on him and asked boldly. “...Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me...Deliver me from bloodguiltiness...” (Psalms 51 KJV).

“…Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…” (Micah 7:18 KJV). “…Mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB).

God, the Holy Spirit, listened to King David’s confession without condemnation or judgement. “…against thee, thee only, have I sinned and done this evil in thy sight, that thou mightiest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest…” (Psalms 51:4 KJV).

King David had MESSED-UP by committing adultery with Bathsheba, getting her pregnant, and then having her husband, Uriah, murdered (2 Samuel 11).

At first, King David tried to cover-up what he did, but God convicted his heart and he had to repent. “...Then Nathan said to David, “You are the man! This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. I gave your master’s house to you, and your master’s wives into your arms. I gave you all Israel and Judah. And if all this had been too little, I would have given you even more. Why did you despise the word of the Lord by doing what is evil in his eyes? You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife to be your own. You killed him with the sword of the Ammonites. Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you despised me and took the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own.’ “This is what the Lord says: ‘Out of your own household I am going to bring calamity on you. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to one who is close to you, and he will sleep with your wives in broad daylight. You did it in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel.’” Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord. Nathan replied, “The Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die.  But because by doing this you have shown utter contempt for the Lord, the son born to you will die.” After Nathan had gone home, the Lord struck the child that Uriah’s wife had borne to David, and he became ill...” (2 Samuel 12:7-15 NIV).

King David confessed and repented for the wrong choices he’d made, but he still had to pay for the consequences of his sins. “...whatsoever a man (woman) soweth, that shall he(she) also reap….” (Galatians 6:7 KJV). “….For he(she) that soweth to his(her) flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption…” (Galatians 6:8 KJV).

King David showed gratitude for God’s mercy and justice when he accepted the consequences of this OWN actions and choices. “...Nathan replied, “The Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die.  But because by doing this you have shown utter contempt for the Lord, the son born to you will die.” After Nathan had gone home, the Lord struck the child that Uriah’s wife had borne to David, and he became ill...” (2 Samuel 12:7-15 NIV).

“… [God’s]…love ... always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres…” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV). King David became a man “…after [God’s]... own heart…” (1 Samuel 13:14 KJV).

Even when make the WORST mistakes, God is still rooting for your triumph and never gives up on his people. King David, during one of his disappointments said, “…why art thou cast down, O my soul: and why are thou disquieted within me…?” (Psalm 43:5 KJV). King David told himself to “……hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God….” (Psalm 43:5 KJV).

“… [God’s]…love ... always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres…” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV).

God’s love will NEVER fail or end, but goes on eternally. “… [God’s]…love never fails…” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV). “ ... [NO] … [NOTHING] …will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord…” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB).

“...If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing...” (1 Corinthians 13:1-3 NIV).

“...Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part,  but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears.  When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.  For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love...” (1 Corinthians 13:8:13 NIV).

All other things in life, even pleasant things, like spiritual gifts, will fail or end, but not God’s LOVE will never FAIL.

God’s love will never wax cold or falter since he has “….loved [you]...with an everlasting love….” (Jeremiah 31:3 KJV).

Many human relationships, because “…iniquity shall abound..., [will find their]… love [for others] shall wax cold…” (Matthew 24:12 KJV).

 God continues to love you on purpose, for the rest of you LIFE and will NEVER change toward you. God, the Holy Spirit’s LOVE is solid, strong, and everlasting one. “...[No]….greater love…than this…”(John 15:13 KJV).

“…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). God’s LOVE is TRANSFORMING. “...[If God’s people KEEP]...walk[ing]... with the wise (the GOD of LOVE) [they will]... become wise (or LOVING like the God of LOVE)...” (Proverbs 13:20 NIV).