The Love of God

Greetings,
Matthew 24:12 - "And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.
2 Corinthians 5:14,15 - For the love of Christ constrains us,
Ephesians 3:17-19 - that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
2 Thessalonians 3:5 - Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God
Jude 20,21 - But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God,

While walking our dog this evening, walking through our neighborhood, I was meditating on the love of God. I began to think about the different verses such as are listed above. One main thought I'd like to share; it's actually a two-fold thought:
1. Where is the love?
2. The Spirit's Outpouring will be an outpouring of love.

While many may not agree with me, I believe that we are in a period of time that is kind of like a "pre-season". A pre-season to turmoil, birth pangs, tribulation, etc.; things never seen or experienced before. A time to prepare for the "regular season", if you will. However, I don't see the regular season as all gloom and doom. "When the enemy comes in, like a flood the Lord will lift a standard against him", Isaiah says. The pre-season we are in is also a precursor to the season of Heaven touching earth like never before. The season where God manifests Himself TO and THROUGH His Body, the Church, to a lost and dying world. Many will reject the gospel; but many will receive as well. Fact is, there are MANY people that just don't know what to believe or why they should believe in Jesus! This is really the first part of my thoughts; WHERE IS THE LOVE?

It doesn't take much discernment to realize that iniquity is increasing. Unfortunately, it has NOT reached its fullness. But, the more it increases, the more the love of many grows cold. Why? Could it be that those who are losing their love have lost sight of the Love of Christ? Could it be that their love has shifted from devotion to Jesus and has now become a devotion to the world and its way of doing things? Even people who are "tithers", as Jesus said in Luke, have passed over justice and the love of God. The love of Christ no longer is their motivation; it has become a religious phrase. Praying for others has become a chore, a duty. Or, it's become a source of pride; "please let me tell you how much I pray". Love isn't the motivation. Therefore, the power of God isn't there, either.

If the Love of God isn't the heart of the believer, it will not be the motivation either. And, without the love of God, there will not be the stamina to make it during the "regular season". Jesus Himself was able to do the tough things because He so loved the world...loved it enough to keep Himself unspotted from it and, at the same time, give His life for it. Jesus, kept His eyes on the joy set before Him and was able to endure the cross. The joy before Him was defined by the love of God. It wasn't defined by His circumstances or how well He was "received". Thank God!

So, where is the love? May we examine our lives and pray for one another the prayer of Paul in Ephesians 3: that we may KNOW (by experience) the love of God that is beyond our natural comprehension.

One more thought: the "regular season" will be marked by the Love of God. As God pours out His Spirit, more and more, it will be evidenced by the love of God. Love, power, holiness, justice, etc, all work hand in hand. In the book of Acts it was seen that the more the Spirit was poured out, in the midst of persecution, the more the Love of God was witnessed. So, while the love of many will grow cold, those who ARE IN LOVE with Jesus, and are KEEPING THEMSELVES IN THE LOVE OF GOD, will grow stronger. They will be fit for the Master's use! Don't let the iniquity around you keep you from the love of God!

Finally, brethren, "Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ."

Pastor Jan