Loving with Discernment
Everyday we wear clothes because we can’t walk around nude. Each day we must take off our dirty clothes and put on clean clothes and that takes a physical effort. Loving the godly way is an effort too.
Remember love is not only feelings though feelings are involved. Some folks are so tender and affectionate and they are a precious part of the body. There are great strengths in that physical touch and that tender touch. We must also be aware that these tender feelings must be placed in the hands of the Holy Spirit because if not we can misunderstand the right way to love.
Here is what I mean, if we aren’t firmly grounded in the truth we are most likely governed by our feelings. Our feelings may lead us to compromise. We may feel like lavishing gifts on folks is the best way to demonstrate love or permitting things that we shouldn’t, but keeping them safe from evil should also be part of that love. There are many entry points of evil in our lives. Pay close attention to the doctrines that are being promoted in the games, movies, books and media and even celebrations because as one man wisely said, “What we permit, we promote.”
When we compromise with what we know is evil we lose our effectiveness, our salt is less salty and our light is diminished. The living water in our lives becomes lukewarm.
The remedy is to stay connected to the Vine in prayer, the Word, and yielding to the Holy Spirit in truth.
Colossians 3:14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
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