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OCCUPY TILL I COME

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OCCUPY TILL I COME: EARTHLY USEFUL AND HEAVENLY MINDED – BY LIVING AND WALKING IN LOVE!

Talking about LOVE! Here is a didactic sense of measure, such that we don’t just say we have love, but we do LIVE and WALK in LOVE, knowing that love is of God; and it’s the lubricant for our life in Christ Jesus and for all mankind. Upon this we can Occupy In Christ by ‘Being Earthly Useful while Heavenly Minded’.
 
Love is an attitude, a deliberate choice, an exercise of the will, a choice of life and is not just a feeling, it is an expression of the nature of God. It is spiritual, divinely inspired and imbedded in the very hearts of all God’s human creation, and more importantly in the very nature of the redeemed child of God. Hence it’s not a doctrine, creed and dogmas. It outlived generation because it’s timeless and of God’s. God is love – 1 John 4:7–10.
 
Love is a FRUIT and not a GIFT. FRUITS are GROWN while GIFTS are IMPARTED. Genuine Bible love – Agape – is born and is a product of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 5:5; Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 5:9).
Let’s consider love in diversity for a clearer understanding of the kind of love being implied in this context.
 
DEFINING THE THREE KINDS OF LOVE:
 
1. PHILEO: Grk (of the soul) – Love relationship in family – between parent and child. The Family kind of love. It also embodied love relationship towards friends and colleagues. It means to be fond of; it is based on FEELINGS and not on PRINCIPLE. It’s never used of man’s love to or for God. This is human or natural kind of love. (Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Genesis 8:19; Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21). This kind of love is however essential and crucial for a family bonding and wellbeing.
 
2. EROS: Grk (of the Physical body) – Sexual love; purely reserved for the married – within the bond of marriage. It’s based on PHYSICAL ATTRACTION. It’s neither for fornication nor adultery. Lust and immoral desires have gotten some into it, hence there’s a great act of PERVERSION in our societies today – and we are paying hugely for the consequences across the board. (Hebrews 13:4; 1 Corinthians 7:1-9; 1 Corinthians 6:15-20).
 
3. AGAPE: Grk (of the spirit) – God kind of love; unconditional, limitless, divine, spiritual. It transcends race, gender, generation, culture, family, physical, personal (self) etc. 1 Corinthians 13. It’s built on PRINCIPLE. Agape love even helps to ensure, STRENGTHEN and MAINTAIN the Phileo and Eros kind of love in all life endeavours. Agape love is based on PRINCIPLE – be it towards things or people.
Notably, the PHILEO OR EROS kinds of Love need to be controlled by AGAPE kind of love or else it will hinder our fellowship with God and leads to SIN acts. (E.g. EROS – 1 Corinthians 13:5; PHILEO – 1 Samuel 2:22-36).
 
Let’s not just say we have love, lets LIVE and WALK IN LOVE, for love is of the Spirit – Romans 5:5.
 
IT’S BY TIME TO LIVE AND WALK IN LOVE. LETS MAKE IT HAPPEN.
 
SELAH – PAUSE AND THINK.
 
SCRIPTURAL THOUGHTS WORTH PONDERING IN CONTEXT:
 
“If we LIVE in the Spirit, let us also WALK in the Spirit” Galatians 5:25.
 
“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 2 and WALK IN LOVE, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour” Ephesians 5:1-2.
 
“That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being ROOTED and GROUNDED IN LOVE, 18 may be able to COMPREHEND with all saints what is the BREADTH, and LENGTH, and DEPTH, and HEIGHT; 19 and to KNOW THE LOVE OF christ, which PASSETH (TRANSCENDS, SURPASSED) KNOWLEDGE (SENSE), that ye might be FILLED with all the FULNESS of God” Ephesians 3:17-19.

REV. CHUKIE MORSI
 
 

 

OCCUPY TILL I COME AS CHRIST’S AMBASSADOR

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OCCUPY TILL I COME AS CHRIST’S AMBASSADOR: THE HOLY SPIRIT DEFAULT LOVE THAT ENHANCES EARTHLY USEFULNESS AND HEAVENLY MINDEDNESS FOR AN AMBASSADOR!

“And hope maketh not ashamed; because THE LOVE of God is SHED (LAVISHED) abroad in our HEARTS (SPIRIT-BEING) by the Holy Ghost which is GIVEN unto us . . . 8 But God commendeth his LOVE toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” Romans 5:5, 8.

The Holy Spirit default LOVE of God for God’s AMBASSADOR FOR CHRIST, is the only purpose driven enabling in the grace, to keep the enemy and cohorts at bay, and to advance the kingdom cause. And here is a didactic sense of measure, such that we don’t just say we have love, but we do LIVE and WALK in the default LOVE of God, knowing that LOVE is God and is of God; and it’s the default LOVE is the lubricant for our life in Christ Jesus and for all mankind. Take the Holy Spirit out of God’s love, one is then bound to have an adulteration and distortion of the love context that’s built on sentiment, prejudice and dissimulation. For its upon the Holy Spirit default LOVE for God, we can then OCCUPY in Christ until he comes to “BEING EARTHLY USEFUL and HEAVENLY MINDED” in the grace, wherein we stand in the faith.

“Beloved, let us LOVE one another: for LOVE is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; FOR GOD IS LOVE. 9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins . . . 16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. GOD IS LOVE; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: BECAUSE AS HE IS, SO ARE WE IN THIS WORLD. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love” 1 John 4:7–10, 16-18.

Love is an attitude, and of a deliberate and intentional choice, and an exercise of the will, and a gracious choice to do life and live godly in Christ Jesus stead; and it’s not just a feeling, it is an expression of the nature and person of God by the Holy Spirit in Christ Jesus, hence it’s spiritual, divinely inspired and imbedded in the very human hearts [spirit-being] of all God’s human creation that’s reborn of God in Christ Jesus; and more importantly, it’s in the very nature of the redeemed child of God, filled and led by the Holy Spirit to fulfil purpose meaningfully. The Holy Spirit default love is not a doctrine, creed and dogmas. The Holy Spirit default love outlived generations because it’s timeless and it’s of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. For God is love personified in our spirit-being for our well-being in Christ Jesus.

The Holy Spirit default LOVE of God is a FRUIT and not a GIFT. And FRUITS are GROWN while GIFTS are IMPARTED. Genuine Bible love – AGAPE – is for the reborn of God and is a product of the Holy Spirit that indwells in us as written:

“And hope maketh not ashamed; because THE LOVE of God is SHED (LAVISHED) abroad in our HEARTS (SPIRIT-BEING) by the Holy Ghost which is GIVEN unto us . . . 8 But God commendeth his LOVE toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” Romans 5:5, 8.

“But the FRUIT of the Spirit is LOVE, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” Galatians 5:22-23.

“For the FRUIT of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth” Ephesians 5:9.

To OCCUPY TILL I COME as Christ’s ambassador, is by doing life and living godly by the Holy Spirit default LOVE; and this default of LOVE, gives the enabling to enhance earthly usefulness and heavenly mindedness for an ambassador for Christ. Let’s therefore consider LOVE in diversity for a clearer understanding of the various kinds of LOVE being implied in this context that’s applicable for the good of humans.

DEFINING THE THREE KINDS OF LOVE THAT AFFECTS THE HUMANS – BODY, SOUL AND SPIRIT [1 THESSALONIANS 5:23; HEBREWS 4:12-13]:

  1. The PHILEO love: Grk (of the soul) – The Love relationship in family – which is between parent and child, otherwise, the Family kind of love. It also embodied love relationship towards friends and colleagues. It means to be fond of; it is based on FEELINGS and not on PRINCIPLE. It’s never used of man’s love to or for God. This is human or natural kind of love. [Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Genesis 8:19; Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21]. This kind of love is however essential and crucial for a family bonding and wellbeing.
  2. The EROS Love: Grk (of the Physical body) – The Sexual kind of love, which is pure and purely reserved for the married – within the bond of marriage. It’s based on PHYSICAL ATTRACTION. It’s neither for fornication nor adultery. Unfortunately, lust and immoral desires have gotten some into it, hence there’s a great act of PERVERSION, DISTORTION and ADULTERATION in our societies today – and we are paying hugely for the consequences and effects across the board. [Hebrews 13:4; 1 Corinthians 7:1-9; 1 Corinthians 6:15-20].
  3. The AGAPE Love: Grk (of the spirit) – The God kind of love; the kind of love that’s unconditional, limitless, divine and spiritual. It transcends race, gender, generation, culture, family, physical, personal (self) etc. The love without sentiments, prejudice and dissimulation – [1 Corinthians 13:1-13]. It’s built on PRINCIPLE and does not demand but gives. Agape love even helps to ENSURE, STRENGTHEN and MAINTAIN the vitality of the phileo and the EROS kind of love in all life endeavours. Agape love is a faith-based principle on the word of God – which is towards empowering people as AMBASSADOR FOR CHRIST in doing life and living godly in Christ Jesus stead. Amen.

Notably, the PHILEO or EROS kinds of Love, need to be controlled and subjected by the AGAPE kind of love or else it will hinder and affects our fellowship with God and leads to unwelcome SIN and sinful acts. [E.g. EROS – 1 Corinthians 13:5; PHILEO – 1 Samuel 2:22-36].

Therefore, as AMBASSADOR FOR CHRIST, let’s not just say we have love, but let’s go forth in the grace, and LIVE and WALK in the Holy Spirit default LOVE, knowing that love is of the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit is given to only the Believer’s [reborn] of God in Christ Jesus stead. Amen.

“And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide WITH you for ever; 17 even the Spirit of truth; whom THE WORLD CANNOT RECEIVE, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him; for He dwelleth WITH you, and shall be IN you”  John 14:16-17.

Dear friend and beloved of God in Christ Jesus, just know that’s it’s a high time to LIVE and WALK in love. Lets make it happen, for the charge – OCCUPY TILL I COME – as AMBASSADOR FOR CHRIST, is the essence; and by the Holy Spirit of LOVE default, the Believer’s in Christ Jesus can then enhances earthly usefulness and the heavenly mindedness.

SELAH – PAUSE AND THINK.

SCRIPTURAL THOUGHTS WORTH PONDERING IN CONTEXT:

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a NEW CREATURE: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then we are AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. 21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” 2 Corinthians 5:17-21.

“If we LIVE in the Spirit, let us also WALK in the Spirit” Galatians 5:25.

“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 2 and WALK IN LOVE, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour” Ephesians 5:1-2.

“That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being ROOTED and GROUNDED IN LOVE, 18 may be able to COMPREHEND with all saints what is the BREADTH, and LENGTH, and DEPTH, and HEIGHT; 19 and to KNOW THE LOVE OF christ, which PASSETH (TRANSCENDS,  SURPASSED) KNOWLEDGE (SENSE), that ye might be FILLED with all the FULNESS of God” Ephesians 3:17-19.

“But the FRUIT of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law” Galatians 5:22-23/NKJV

“For the FRUIT of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth” Ephesians 5:9/NKJV.

“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you through and through [that is, separate you from profane and vulgar things, make you pure and whole and undamaged—consecrated to Him—set apart for His purpose]; and may your SPIRIT and SOUL and BODY be kept complete and [be found] blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” 1 Thessalonians 5:23/Amplified.

“For the word of God is living and active and full of power [making it operative, energizing, and effective]. It is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as the division of the SOUL and SPIRIT [the completeness of a person], and of both JOINTS and MARROW [the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And not a creature exists that is concealed from His sight, but all things are open and exposed, and revealed to the eyes of Him with whom we have to give account” Hebrews 4:12-13/Amplified.

REV. CHUKIE MORSI

REMEMBERING THE MEMORABLE – “SAINT VALENTINE”

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REMEMBERING THE MEMORABLE – “SAINT VALENTINE”: WISHING YOU A HAPPY “SAINT VALENTINE’S” – LOVE AND LOVERS DAY!

“This is my commandment, That ye LOVE one another, as I have LOVED you. 13 GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS, THAT A MAN LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS. 14 Ye are my friends, if ye DO whatsoever I command you” John 15:12-14.

LOVE IS AT A COST. God gave up His Son [Jesus Christ] for it. And Jesus Christ gave up His life for it. And the Priest – SAINT VALENTINE – gave up His life for it, hence there’s SAINT VALENTINE’S DAY today.

WHAT ARE YOU GIVING UP, FOR YOU TO ENSURE AND ASSURE THAT ‘LOVE’ THRIVES AND LIVES IN YOU AND THROUGH TODAY?

The Priest – SAINT VALENTINE, paid with his life to give love and lovers an opportunity to ensure their assured love to each other. And on a day and date as this day and date, he died in honour for his good and goodness to others – indicating that LOVE IS AT A COST. It’s not cheap and must not be cheapen by any – and only those who knows and understands the worth can truly appreciate the cause of the Priest – SAINT VALENTINE!

THEREFORE, I SAY TO YOU:

* Let THERE be LOVE.

* Let’s CELEBRATE LOVE.

* Let LOVE be Celebrated.

* Let LOVE thrive and be kept alive and ignited always.

* Let LOVE always rule and reign supreme.

* Let LOVE be memorable within you at a cost.

FOR LOVE IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL GIFT, GIVEN TO US TO SHARE IN CHRIST JESUS STEAD. AMEN.

May You KNOW and UNDERSTAND the essence of Saint VALENTINE’S Day in Love; and cautiously, graciously and gracefully Enjoy your Day and moment in LOVE accordingly and irrespectively.

However, it’s more gracious that you KNOW the LOVE Of Christ which SURPASSES, TRANSCENDS and SUPERCEDES the SENSE Knowledge as you mark and celebrate the Saint VALENTINE’S Day.

SELAH – PAUSE AND THINK!

SCRIPTURAL THOUGHTS WORTH PONDERING IN CONTEXT:

“And HOPE maketh not ashamed; because the LOVE of God is SHED abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is GIVEN unto us . . . But God COMMENDETH his LOVE toward us, in that, while we were yet SINNERS, Christ DIED for us” Romans 5:5, 8.

“. . . 17 that Christ may DWELL in your HEARTS by FAITH; that ye, being ROOTED and GROUNDED in LOVE, 18 may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the BREADTH, and LENGTH, and DEPTH, and HEIGHT; 19 And to KNOW the LOVE of Christ, which passeth (TRANSCENDS, SURPASSED)  knowledge (FIVE SENSE), that ye might be FILLED with all the FULNESS of God. . .” Ephesians 3:14-21/Emphasis Mine.

REV. CHUKIE MORSI

THE GENUINE LOVE IS PURE AND REFRESHING

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THE GENUINE LOVE IS PURE AND REFRESHING: IT’S CALLED – AGAPE LOVE!

LOVE is a mystery but not mystical. For God is Love. God is a mystery and not mystical. His LOVE is pure, practicable, liveable, approachable and loveable, for it’s EMPOWERED by the Holy Spirit that’s GIVEN to us. [Romans 5:5]. And He’s a mystery to only them and those who don’t know Him in His Love. For He is LOVE and His LOVE is PURE, TRUE and REFRESHING.

And God’s LOVE is Beautiful, Unquestionable, Unspeakable, Incomprehensible and Indescribable; and it is a gracious and graceful GIFT, that is shared in our hearts by the Holy Spirit; and it’s GIVEN to us to SHARE alike in Christ Jesus stead. God’s LOVE is genuine and involves laying down ones life for the other to keep it alive and refreshing.

When it comes to God’s LOVE in relationship and maritally, especially for the man, it’s gracious and graceful to know that MARRYING THE WOMAN YOU LOVE IS GOOD. BUT LOVING THE WOMAN YOU MARRIED, NOW, THAT IS SPECIAL AND AWESOME.

“There be three things which are too wonderful for me, yea, FOUR WHICH I KNOW NOT: 19 the way of an eagle in the air; the way of a serpent upon a rock; the way of a ship in the midst of the sea; and THE WAY OF A MAN WITH A WOMAN” Proverbs 30:18-19.

“Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for LOVE IS STRONG AS DEATH; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame. 7 MANY WATERS CANNOT QUENCH LOVE, neither can the floods drown it: if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned” Songs of Solomon 8:6-7.

AND SOMEONE SAID:

“A HAPPY MAN MARRIES THE WOMAN HE LOVES. BUT A HAPPIER MAN LOVES THE WOMAN HE MARRIES” – Isaac Kubvoruno

And I Say this to you unreservedly:

LOVE – Is the BEAUTIFUL GIFT, giving to us to SHARE in grace. It’s about LOVING GOD FIRST, AND LOVING OTHERS IN HIS LOVE. More so, you need to keep on keeping on, dating again and again and again . . . the one you genuinely and truly LOVE to make your love refreshing,  liveable and practicable – for LOVE is the most EXCELLENT WAY, the gracious and graceful act in DOING LIFE TOGETHER in Christ Jesus stead. Amen.

The greater love of God is the only genuine LOVE. It Is PURE and REFRESHING. It is AGAPE LOVE. It transcends and surpasses human SENSE and all comprehension.

Welcome I say to God’s kind of LOVE – the AGAPE LOVE, which is EMPOWERED by the Holy Spirit of Love, through God’s WORD, in our human spirit.

SELAH – PAUSE AND THINK.

SCRIPTURAL THOUGHTS WORTH PONDERING IN CONTEXT:

“This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. 13 GREATER LOVE hath no man than this, that a man LAY DOWN his life for his friends. 14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I COMMAND you” John 15:12-14.

“And hope maketh not ashamed; because the LOVE of God is SHED abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is GIVEN unto us. 6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God COMMENDETH HIS LOVE toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” Romans 5:5-8.

REV. CHUKIE MORSI

“SAINT VALENTINE” – MEMORABLE REMEMBRANCE DAY

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“SAINT VALENTINE” – MEMORABLE REMEMBRANCE DAY: “SAINT VALENTINE’S” DAY TO SALVAGE LOVERS LOVE IN MARRIAGE!

LOVE! The most BEAUTIFUL, GRACIOUS and GRACEFUL gift, that’s GIVEN to us to SHARE in life and grace, is without sentiments, prejudice and dissimulation, in Christ Jesus stead. Amen.

“This is my commandment, That ye LOVE one another, as I have LOVED you. 13 GREATER LOVE hath no man than this, that a MAN LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS. 14 Ye ARE my friends, if ye DO whatsoever I command you” John 15:12-14.

You need to know that genuine LOVE IS AT A COST – that’s what this day of valentine’s is all about to promote. And LOVE IS SACRIFICIAL, that’s what this day is all about to salvage from the self-centeredness and self-gratification person’s about us. Love should be irrespective among us, so that we all can see each other through the love that’s beyond walls and borders, religion, creed, status, region, tongue and gender and such like.

“For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but FAITH which worketh by LOVE . . . 13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto LIBERTY [FREEDOM]; only use not LIBERTY  [FREEDOM] for an occasion to the flesh, but by LOVE SERVE one another” Galatians 5:6, 13.

The Holy Spirit led LOVE doesn’t DEMAND for LOVE – instead it GIVES LOVE – Unreservedly And Lavishly; it thus means that a genuine LOVE that’s at work doesn’t DEMAND for LOVE from others, instead it GIVES [SUPPLIES] LOVE lavishly to synergised HOPE and FAITH in any situation of doing life and living godly by God in Christ Jesus stead. Amen.

Let’s remember that God gave up His Son [Jesus Christ] for love toward us – and at a spiritual cost and sacrifice. And Jesus Christ gave up His life for love – at a spiritual cost and sacrifice. And the Priest – SAINT VALENTINE – gave up His life for love – at a human [physical] cost and sacrifice. This is the reason there’s SAINT VALENTINE’S memorable DAY of remembrance today. It’s the spiritual realm that gives life and birth to the physical realm. And you can give love when love is at a default in your being as expected of the reborn of God in Christ Jesus by the Holy Spirit that dwells in us. [Romans 5:5; John 14:16-17]

WHAT ARE YOU GIVING UP, FOR YOU TO ENSURE AND ASSURE THAT ‘LOVE’ THRIVES AND LIVES IN YOU AND THROUGH TODAY FOR THE GOOD OF THE YOU AND HUMANITY.

The Priest – SAINT VALENTINE, paid with his life to give love and lovers an opportunity to ensure their assured love to each other. And on a day and date as this day and date, he died in honour for his good and goodness to others – indicating that LOVE IS AT A COST. It’s not cheap and must not be cheapen by any – and only those who knows and understands the worth can truly appreciate the cause of the Priest – SAINT VALENTINE!

Therefore, I say to you:

* Let THERE be LOVE in all you.

* Live to CELEBRATE LOVE always and not only for a moment.

* There is NO FEAR in LOVE – genuine love cast out fears and mistrust.

* Give LOVE a chance to be Celebrated in others.

* Let LOVE be – beyond walls and borders, and irrespective.

* Let LOVE thrive and be kept alive and ignited always in your relationship.

* Let LOVE always rules and reign supreme in your relationship.

* Let LOVE be memorable within you at any cost and sacrifice.

* Let LOVE be the hub of motivation in all you do

And I do pray: May You KNOW and UNDERSTAND the essence of Saint VALENTINE’S Day in making LOVE a reality; and may you intentionally, cautiously, graciously and gracefully ensure that you enjoy your Day and moment in LOVE accordingly and irrespectively.

Ensure, that you KNOW the LOVE Of Christ which SURPASSES, TRANSCENDS and SUPERCEDES the SENSE Knowledge as you mark and celebrate the Saint VALENTINE’S Day of LOVE in love.

SELAH – PAUSE AND THINK!

SCRIPTURAL THOUGHTS WORTH PONDERING IN CONTEXT:

“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye LOVE one another; as I have LOVED you, that ye also LOVE one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have LOVE one to another” John 13:34-35

“And HOPE maketh not ashamed; because the LOVE of God is SHED abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is GIVEN unto us . . . But God COMMENDETH his LOVE toward us, in that, while we were yet SINNERS, Christ DIED for us” Romans 5:5, 8.

“. . . 17 that Christ may DWELL in your HEARTS by FAITH; that ye, being ROOTED and GROUNDED in LOVE, 18 may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the BREADTH, and LENGTH, and DEPTH, and HEIGHT; 19 And to KNOW the LOVE of Christ, which passeth (TRANSCENDS, SURPASSED)  knowledge (FIVE SENSE), that ye might be FILLED with all the FULNESS of God. . .” Ephesians 3:14-21/Emphasis Mine.

“Behold, what MANNER (INCREDIBLE QUALITY) of LOVE the Father hath BESTOWED (LAVISHED) upon us, that we should be CALLED the sons of God: therefore the world KNOWETH us not, because it KNEW him not” 1 John 3:1/Emphasis Mine.

“For 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.

“. . . 25 Husbands, LOVE your wives, even as Christ also LOVED the church, and GAVE himself for it . . .” Ephesians 5:22-33.

“Herein is our LOVE made PERFECT [COMPLETE, MATURE, WHOLE], that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 18 THERE IS NO FEAR IN LOVE; BUT PERFECT LOVE CASTETH OUT FEAR: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love” 1 John 5:17-18.

REV. CHUKIE MORSI

LOVE – A MYSTERY OF GRACE

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LOVE – A MYSTERY OF GRACE: THE MOST BEAUTIFUL, UNQUESTIONABLE, UNSPEAKABLE, INCOMPREHENSIBLE AND INDESCRIBABLE GIFT – GIVEN TO US TO SHARE!

“There be three things which are too wonderful for me, yea, FOUR WHICH I KNOW NOT: 19 the way of an eagle in the air; the way of a serpent upon a rock; the way of a ship in the midst of the sea; and THE WAY OF A MAN WITH A WOMAN” Proverbs 30:18-19.

MARRYING THE WOMAN YOU LOVE IS GOOD. BUT LOVING THE WOMAN YOU MARRIED – THAT IS VERY SPECIAL.

“Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for LOVE IS STRONG AS DEATH; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame. 7 MANY WATERS CANNOT QUENCH LOVE, neither can the floods drown it: if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned” Songs of Solomon 8:6-7.

Someone said:

“A HAPPY MAN MARRIES THE WOMAN HE LOVES – BUT A HAPPIER MAN LOVES THE WOMAN HE MARRIES” – [Isaac Kubvoruno]

“LOVE – Is the BEAUTIFUL GIFT, given to us to SHARE in grace – and it’s about LOVING GOD, AND LOVING OTHERS AND LOVING YOURSELF IN HIS LOVE. In same scenario, it’s about dating again and again and again . . . and again the one you genuinely and truly LOVE – through the most EXCELLENT WAY which is LOVE WAY, in the GRACIOUS and GRACEFUL act in doing life TOGETHER in Christ Jesus stead. Amen” – [Chukie MORSI Snr].

And the greater LOVE involves laying down one’s life for the other – let’s make it happen in the grace as we do life and live godly in Christ Jesus stead. Amen.

“This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. 13 GREATER LOVE hath no man than this, that a man LAY DOWN his life for his friends. 14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you” (John 15:12-14).

REV. CHUKIE MORSI

LOVING GOD IN HIS LOVE TERMS

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LOVING GOD IN HIS LOVE TERMS: FOR GOD’S LOVE – IS THE ‘LOVE’ OF THE SIXTH SENSE – CALLED AGAPE!

“. . . 8 The one who does not love has not become acquainted with God [does not and never did know Him], FOR GOD IS LOVE. [He is the originator of love, and it is an enduring attribute of His nature.] . . . 16 We have come to know [by personal observation and experience], and have believed [with deep, consistent faith] the love which God has for us. GOD IS LOVE, and the one who ABIDES in LOVE ABIDES in God, and God ABIDES continually in him . . .” 1 John 4:8, 16 [7-21]/Amplified.

There’s the LOVE of God which operates and lubricates by FAITH in God’s Word – it’s called AGAPE LOVE [Galatians 5:6; 1 Corinthians 13:1-13]. This love of God is pure, excellent, spiritual, likeable, loveable, liveable and practicable; and this love of God is inspired, revealed and empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit [Romans 5:5, 8; John 14:16-17]. And this love is sustained and maintained by the Holy Spirit, hence it knows no stress, weakness, tiredness and weariness; and it doesn’t fade and weathered out with times with changes, and it’s not limited or conditioned by any ‘nesses; and there’s NO ROOM for selfishness, wickedness, manipulation, controlling, maliciousness and greediness. It’s the love that transcends, surpasses and supercedes all human reasoning – meaning, there’s no room for prejudice, sentiments and dissimulation.

“That Christ may DWELL in your HEARTS [SPIRIT-BEING] by faith; that ye, being ROOTED and GROUNDED in LOVE, 18 may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the BREADTH, and LENGTH, and DEPTH, and HEIGHT; 19 And to KNOW THE LOVE OF CHRIST, which PASSETH (TRANSCENDS, SUPERCEDES, SURPASSES) KNOWLEDGE (Human Senses), that ye might be FILLED with ALL the FULNESS of God” Ephesians 3:17-19/Emphasis Mine.

HEREIN ARE FEW THINGS TO NOTE OF – GOD’S LOVE:

** It’s the LOVE that the embodiment for functionality are HOPE and FAITH.

** It’s LOVE that’s built on principles, and it’s intentional, unconditional and boundless.

** It’s the LOVE that transcends, supercedes and surpasses the natural or material worlds love of the Five Senses that’s of – smell, see, taste, hear feel/touch.

** It’s the LOVE that’s of a more excellent way to communicate to God and man in God’s terms in Christ Jesus stead.

** It’s the LOVE that enriches all things and transcends – culture, religion, colour, tradition, generation, gender and dispensation. This is simply because this LOVE is of God, is God and God personified.

** It’s the LOVE that answers to every quest of man and it’s yet not fathom by the five senses or limited by it in every measure of doing life and living godly by God, in Christ Jesus stead. Amen.

** It’s the LOVE that treats others with respect and dignity; and it takes no advantage on people nor of people; it tends to give and serve than to demand and to receive the attention of love and or to be love.

** It’s the LOVE that transcends any form of sentiment, prejudice and dissimulation, and it’s irrespective to all.

I therefore, sincerely and honestly recommends this LOVE of God to for your good, goodness and wellbeing. For this LOVE is pure, spiritual, likeable, loveable, liveable and practicable; and it’s the LOVE that’s inspired, revealed and empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit. It’s the more excellent way to do life and live godly with God in Christ Jesus stead [1 Corinthians 12:31].

SELAH – PAUSE AND THINK.

SCRIPTURAL THOUGHTS WORTH PONDERING IN CONTEXT:

“And we know that ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER for good to them that LOVE God, to them who are the CALLED according to his purpose” Romans 8:28.

“God is FAITHFUL, by whom ye were CALLED unto the FELLOWSHIP of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord” 1 Corinthians 1:9.

“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, THE THINGS which God hath PREPARED for them that LOVE him” 1 Corinthians 2:9.

“And hope maketh not ashamed; because the LOVE of God is SHED ABROAD IN OUR HEARTS by the Holy Ghost which is GIVEN unto us. 6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God COMMENDETH HIS LOVE TOWARD US, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” Romans 5:5-8.

“And to KNOW THE LOVE OF CHRIST, which PASSETH (TRANSCENDS, SUPERCEDES, SURPASSES) KNOWLEDGE (Human Senses), that ye might be FILLED with ALL the FULNESS of God” Ephesians 3:19 (Emphasis Mine).

REV. CHUKIE MORSI

MONTH FEBRUARY – TRIUMPHING BY LOVE

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MONTH FEBRUARY – TRIUMPHING BY LOVE: THE LOVE THAT GIVES AND SERVES!

“For God so LOVED the world, that he GAVE his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 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” John 3:16-18.

Our God is LOVE. He’s LOVE in definition, which indicates, you can’t talk of LOVE outside the person who is LOVE personified and had lavishly showed His love to us by the Holy Spirit that He had given to us by virtue of our redemption in Christ Jesus. Amen. [1 John 4:8,16; Romans 5:5, 8; John 14:16-17; John 3:16].

When I heard decades ago, the Gospel of Christ that brought about my salvation in God, in Christ Jesus, in redemption, the first thing that crosses my mind then and now, by the Gospel I heard was this – that God LOVES me. That sticks and have never gone off me for any reason or matters irrespective of the ups and downs in the onward and upward trajectory of the Christian Walk of faith in Christ Jesus.

“For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; BUT FAITH WHICH WORKETH BY LOVE . . . 13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, BUT BY LOVE SERVE ONE ANOTHER” Galatians 5:6, 13.

And more so, to know that God in His terms to ensure and authenticate the love, He GAVE up Christ Jesus for my salvation in redemption, that I might be able to be JUSTIFIED and QUALIFIED, to receive the needed FREEDOM – LIBERTY, from the grips and bandages of SIN and it’s effects which are: POVERTY, SICKNESS and SPIRITUAL DEATH; the freedom – liberty, from which I was denied because of the subjugates rule of the devil and cohorts, that makes me then, to be without God in this world. [Ephesians 2:1-22].

Reflecting now and then that the simple Gospel I heard to get saved by God in Christ Jesus, thus indicates that God LOVES me and GAVE up Jesus Christ for my salvation in redemption; and this knowing and understanding, have left a lasting effect on my life for over 50yrs plus by God’s enabling grace. Then and now and always, I know that genuinely pure love of God means a GIVING love, and not a love that goes demanding for the love in order to do life and live godly in Christ Jesus stead. And it thus means that one can’t live the genuinely pure love life in grace and godliness, beyond the knowledge and understanding you know and have received of God in Christ Jesus on His personified nature of LOVE as He is LOVE.

“And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles EXERCISE LORDSHIP OVER THEM, and those who EXERCISE AUTHORITY OVER THEM are called ‘BENEFACTORS.’ 26 But not so among you; on the contrary, he who is GREATEST among you, let him be as the YOUNGER, and he who GOVERNS as he who SERVES. 27 For who is GREATER, he who sits at the TABLE, or he who SERVES? Is it not he who sits at the table? Yet I am AMONG YOU as the One who SERVES” Luke 22:25-27/NKJV [Matthew 20:25-28; Mark 10:35-45].

And when I began to embarks on the journey to grow in grace and in the knowledge of God through Christ Jesus (2 Peter 3:18), and for me to personally personified the knowing of Him as my Saviour and Lord – Jesus Christ, and to make Him known by same mutual knowledge and understanding, I then discovered that His entire coming to take the humanity nature [Hebrews 2:14-15; 1 Timothy 3:16; John 1:14], to work out my salvation in my redemption and yours and for all mankind, was simply through this – to SERVE – through the passionate acts of LOVE which He lives and demonstrated for us all to follow after Him. [John 13:1-17, 34-35; Luke 22:25-27 (Matthew 20:25-28; Mark 10:35-45); John 15:9-16]. And to do this act of our redemption, the scripture says, He LOVED us. Meaning, He didn’t serve outside love to REDEEMED us, He LOVED us as written:

“John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; 5 and from Jesus Christ, who is the FAITHFUL witness, and THE FIRST BEGOTTEN of the dead, and THE PRINCE OF THE KINGS of the earth. Unto him that LOVED us and WASHED us from our sins in his own blood, 6 and hath MADE us kings and priests unto God and His Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen” Revelation 1:4-6.

And for our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ to ensure and authenticate that the GOSPEL being PREACHED remains same as He live in it and through it, He charged that the Believer’s in Him, should continue first and foremostly, to walk in His love with same Gospel love that loves through GIVING and SERVING others in His name – for by such many will turn toward the Father God in His name. [Ephesians 5:1-2; John 13:34-35; John 15:8-16; John 8:30-32].

Apostle Paul, with the gracious insights and foresights into the  revelation of the Gospel of God in Christ Jesus, do charged the Ephesians Church in the Holy writ of [Acts 20:35], of the need to know that – it’s more of BLESSEDNESS to GIVE (be a GIVER) than to RECEIVE (be a RECEIVER); and Apostle Paul’s also wrote to the Galatians Church in the Holy writ in the context of – [Galatians 5:1, 6, 13], of the necessity to see that they don’t take their freedom – liberty in God in Christ Jesus for granted, but to ensure it and be assured that their faith in God in Christ Jesus is lubricated through LOVE and not by legalities of the religious dogmas and tradition and denominational indoctrination as per circumcision or no circumcision – and more importantly, to SERVE one another BY LOVE as in the Gospel that they have received of him in Christ Jesus stead.

In redemption, we’ve obtained a glorious triumph on the cross by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. For our Redemption is a done did as expressed in the Holy writs of [2 Corinthians 2:14 and Colossians 2:8-15]; this thus indicates an act of TRIUMPHING BY LOVE as expressed in GIVING His life for our justification, and in SERVING to ensure and assure that we can live TRIUMPHANTLY as we do live in humanity and live godly for the cause of advancing God’s kingdom and in keeping the enemy and cohorts at bay.

I therefore challenge you and I today to be genuine follower of God in Christ Jesus, and WALK IN LOVE as He did for our example, through the act of GIVING and SERVING, and not of demanding and receiving or as an entitlement, if we must meaningfully fulfil purpose as enjoined in the Holy writ. [Ephesians 5:1-2; Romans 8:28-30; Ephesians 1:11-12].

I do pray that you might be awaken in this writ for a gracious and graceful you in Christ Jesus stead. Hence, I sincerely welcome you to Month February, the month of TRIUMPHING BY LOVE that GIVES and SERVES without prejudice, sentiments and dissimulation. [Romans 12:9-21; Proverbs 25:21-22; Matthew 5:38-48; Proverbs 16:7/Hebrews 11:6].

SELAH – PAUSE AND THINK!

SCRIPTURAL THOUGHTS WORTH PONDERING IN CONTEXT:

“When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities [those supernatural forces of evil operating against us], He made a public example of them [exhibiting them as captives in His TRIUMPHAL PROCESSION], having TRIUMPHED over them through the cross” Colossians 2:15.

“But THANKS be to God, who always LEADS us in TRIUMPH in Christ, and through us SPREADS and makes evident everywhere the SWEET FRAGRANCE of the KNOWLEDGE of Him” 2 Corinthians 2:14/Amplified.

“That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being ROOTED and GROUNDED IN LOVE, 18 may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the BREADTH, and LENGTH, and DEPTH, and HEIGHT; 19 and TO KNOW THE LOVE OF CHRIST, WHICH PASSETH KNOWLEDGE, that ye might be FILLED with all the FULNESS of God” Ephesians 3:17-19.

“For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; BUT FAITH WHICH WORKETH BY LOVE . . . 13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, BUT BY LOVE SERVE ONE ANOTHER” Galatians 5:6, 13.

“Be on guard; stand firm in your faith [in God, respecting His precepts and keeping your doctrine sound]. Act like [mature] men and be courageous; be strong. 14 LET EVERYTHING YOU DO BE DONE IN LOVE [motivated and inspired by God’s love for us]” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14/Amp.

“Be ye therefore FOLLOWERS of God, as dear children; 2 and WALK IN LOVE, as Christ also hath LOVED us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour” Ephesians 5:1-2.

“I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, IT IS MORE BLESSED TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE” Acts 20:35.

“And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles EXERCISE LORDSHIP OVER THEM; and they that EXERCISE AUTHORITY upon them are called BENEFACTORS. 26 But ye shall NOT BE SO: but he that is GREATEST among you, let him be as the YOUNGER; and he that is CHIEF, as he that doth SERVE. 27 For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that SERVETH? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that SERVETH” Luke 22:25-27 [Matthew 20:25-28; Mark 10:35-45].

REV. CHUKIE MORSI

THIS CHRISTMAS: It’s About God’s GREATER LOVE To You

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THIS CHRISTMAS: It’s About God’s GREATER LOVE To You – And You WORTH It!

“GREATER LOVE hath no man than this, that a man LAY DOWN his life for his friends.” (John 15:13).

There is no better way to express this most excellent way of God’s love other than this season of Christmas. This Christmas expressed genuinely the LOVE of God, which COST Him His Son Christ Jesus, and eventually COST Christ Jesus His life, on the redemptive CROSS.

“GREATER LOVE hath no man than this, that a man LAY DOWN his life for his friends.” (John 15:13).

It was LOVE at BIRTH and LOVE at DEATH and LOVE on the THRONE for now, today and ever. It’s called, the GREATER LOVE. The love that laid down His life for those He love and will always care about.

The GREATER LOVE is a GIVING LOVE, even when someone else don’t deserve it. It’s love unspeakable, unfathomable, unimaginable and indescribable – it’s an unconditional love. It’s love without sentiments, prejudice and dissimulation – hypocrisy. It’s love that surpasses and transcends human sense knowledge. The love that serves, breakthrough barriers by bridging gaps and lubricates our FAITH stands in Christ Jesus to victory and triumph. The God’s kind of love that’s expressed daily in our inner being by the Holy Spirit that dwells in us – Romans 5:5, 8; Romans 12:9-10; Galatians 5:6, 13; Ephesians 3:17-19.

And because you’re worth it, God show forth this GREATER LOVE in Christ Birth, hence you need to max every good thing this love is all about in the course of life. Let none belittle you or take you for granted. You Are Worth – This Greater Love – This Christmas, This December and afterwards.

THIS CHRISTMAS – ENJOY GOD’S GREATER LOVE

I pray for you, that God’s grace and BLESSEDNESS in the GREATER LOVE in Christ Jesus stead may abound with you now and always. Amen.

SELAH – PAUSE AND THINK.

SCRIPTURAL THOUGHTS WORTH PONDERING IN CONTEXT:

“GREATER LOVE hath no man than this, that a man LAY DOWN his life for his friends.” (John 15:13).

“For God so LOVED the world, that he GAVE his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” John 3:16-17.

“And hope maketh not ashamed; because the LOVE of God is SHED abroad in our HEARTS by the Holy Ghost which is GIVEN unto us . . . 8 But God COMMENDETH his LOVE toward us, in that, while we were YET sinners, Christ DIED for us” Romans 5:5, 8.

“Let love be without DISSIMULATION (HYPOCRISY). Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with BROTHERLY LOVE; in honour preferring one another” Romans 12:9-10.

“For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; But FAITH WHICH WORKETH BY LOVE . . .13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, BUT BY LOVE SERVE ONE ANOTHER” Galatians 5:6, 13.

“So that Christ may DWELL in your hearts through your faith. And may you, having been [deeply] rooted and [securely] grounded in LOVE, 18 be fully capable of comprehending with all the saints (God’s people) the width and length and height and depth of His LOVE [fully experiencing that amazing, endless love]; 19 and [that you may come] to know [practically, through personal experience] the LOVE of Christ which far SURPASSES [mere] knowledge [without experience], that you may be filled up [throughout your being] to all the fullness of God [so that you may have the richest experience of God’s presence in your lives, completely filled and flooded with God Himself]” Ephesians 3:17-19 Amplified.

REV. CHUKIE MORSI

OCCUPY TILL I COME – IN GOD’S LOVE

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OCCUPY TILL I COME – IN GOD’S LOVE: GOD’S LOVE ENHANCES EARTHLY USEFULNESS AND HEAVENLY MINDEDNESS IN CHRIST JESUS!

“And HOPE maketh not ASHAMED; because THE LOVE of God is SHED (LAVISHED) abroad in our HEARTS (SPIRIT-BEING) by the Holy Ghost which is GIVEN unto us . . . 8 But God COMMENDETH his LOVE toward us, in that, while we were YET SINNERS, Christ DIED for us” Romans 5:5, 8.

Talking about LOVE – I mean the LOVE of God in Christ Jesus, that transcends and surpasses the human sense [see, hear, smell, taste, touch/feel] knowledge of love. Herein, I will be laying out a didactic sense of measure of God’s love in Christ Jesus, such that we don’t just say we HAVE LOVE, but we can boldly say, we DO LIVE and WALK in God’s LOVE unreservedly, knowing that LOVE in essence is purely and firstly of God, for God is love [1 John 4:8, 16]; and God’s LOVE, is the lubricant for our life in Christ Jesus and for all mankind. And when an individual come to KNOW THIS LOVE OF GOD that surpasses and transcends our sense knowledge of love, we can then OCCUPY effectively and efficiently in Christ Jesus until He comes, by “BEING EARTHLY USEFUL while HEAVENLY MINDED” in humanity.

“That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being ROOTED and GROUNDED IN LOVE, 18 may be able to COMPREHEND with all saints what is the BREADTH, and LENGTH, and DEPTH, and HEIGHT; 19 and to KNOW THE LOVE OF christ, which PASSETH (TRANSCENDED,  SURPASSED) KNOWLEDGE (SENSE KNOWLEDGE – SEE, HEAR, TASTE, SMELL, TOUCH/FEEL), that ye might be FILLED with all the FULNESS of God” Ephesians 3:17-19/Emphasis Mine.

Love is an ATTITUDE, a deliberate choice, an exercise of the will, a choice of life and is not just a feeling, it is an expression of the nature of God. It is spiritual, divinely inspired and imbedded in the very hearts of all God’s human creation, and more importantly in the very nature of the redeemed child of God. Hence, it’s not a doctrine, creed and dogmas. It outlived generation because it’s timeless and of God’s. For God is love as written:

“Beloved, let us LOVE one another: for LOVE is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; FOR GOD IS LOVE. 9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins . . . 16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. GOD IS LOVE; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: BECAUSE AS HE IS, SO ARE WE IN THIS WORLD. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love” 1 John 4:7–10, 16-18.

Love is a FRUIT and not a GIFT. FRUITS are GROWN while GIFTS are IMPARTED. Genuine Bible love – Agape – is born and is a product of the Holy Spirit that indwells in us – (Romans 5:5, 8; Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 5:9).

Let’s consider love in diversity for a clearer understanding of the kind of love being implied in this context.

DEFINING THE THREE KINDS OF LOVE:

1. PHILEO: Grk (of the soul) – Love relationship in family – between parent and child. The Family kind of love. It also embodied love relationship towards friends and colleagues. It means to be fond of; it is based on FEELINGS and not on PRINCIPLE. It’s never used of man’s love to or for God. This is human or natural kind of love. (Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Genesis 8:19; Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21). This kind of love is however essential and crucial for a family bonding and wellbeing.

2. EROS: Grk (of the Physical body) – Sexual love; purely reserved for the married – within the bond of marriage. It’s based on PHYSICAL ATTRACTION. It’s neither for fornication nor adultery. Lust and immoral desires have gotten some into it, hence there’s a great act of PERVERSION in our societies today – and we are paying hugely for the consequences across the board. (Hebrews 13:4; 1 Corinthians 7:1-9; 1 Corinthians 6:15-20).

3. AGAPE: Grk (of the spirit) – God kind of love; unconditional, limitless, divine, spiritual. It transcends race, gender, generation, culture, family, physical, personal (self) etc. 1 Corinthians 13. It’s built on PRINCIPLE. Agape love even helps to ensure, STRENGTHEN and MAINTAIN the Phileo and Eros kind of love in all life endeavours. Agape love is based on PRINCIPLE – be it towards things or people.

Notably, the PHILEO OR EROS kinds of Love need to be controlled by AGAPE kind of love or else it will hinder our fellowship with God and leads to SIN acts. (E.g. EROS – 1 Corinthians 13:5; PHILEO – 1 Samuel 2:22-36).

Let’s not just say we have love, lets LIVE and WALK IN LOVE, for love is of the Spirit – Romans 5:5.

IT’S BY TIME TO LIVE AND WALK IN LOVE. LETS MAKE IT HAPPEN. FOR THE CHARGE – OCCUPY TILL I COME – IN LOVE ENHANCES EARTHLY USEFULNESS AND HEAVENLY MINDEDNESS.

SELAH – PAUSE AND THINK.

SCRIPTURAL THOUGHTS WORTH PONDERING IN CONTEXT:

“If we LIVE in the Spirit, let us also WALK in the Spirit” Galatians 5:25.

“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 2 and WALK IN LOVE, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour” Ephesians 5:1-2.

“That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being ROOTED and GROUNDED IN LOVE, 18 may be able to COMPREHEND with all saints what is the BREADTH, and LENGTH, and DEPTH, and HEIGHT; 19 and to KNOW THE LOVE OF christ, which PASSETH (TRANSCENDED,  SURPASSED) KNOWLEDGE (SENSE KNOWLEDGE – SEE, HEAR, TASTE, SMELL, TOUCH/FEEL), that ye might be FILLED with all the FULNESS of God” Ephesians 3:17-19/Emphasis Mine.

“For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but FAITH WHICH WORKETH BY LOVE . . . 13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but BY LOVE SERVE one another. 14 For all the LAW IS FULFILLED IN ONE WORD, even in this; Thou shalt LOVE thy neighbour as thyself . . . 22 But the FRUIT of the Spirit is LOVE, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” Galatians 5:6, 13-14, 22-23.

“For the FRUIT of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth” Ephesians 5:9/NKJV.

“Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having LOVED his own which were in the world, he LOVED them unto the end . . . 34 A NEW COMMANDMENT I give unto you, That ye LOVE one another; as I have LOVED you, that ye also LOVE one another. 35 By this shall ALL MEN KNOW THAT YE ARE MY DISCIPLES, if ye have LOVE one to another” John 13:1 34-35.

“And from Jesus Christ, who is the FAITHFUL WITNESS, and the FIRST BEGOTTEN of the dead, and THE PRINCE of the kings of the earth. Unto him that LOVED us, and WASHED us from our sins in his own blood, 6 and hath MADE us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen” Revelation 1:5-6.

“As the Father hath LOVED me, so have I LOVED you: CONTINUE YE IN MY LOVE. 10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall ABIDE IN MY LOVE; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and ABIDE IN HIS LOVE. 11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. 12 This is my commandment, That ye LOVE one another, as I have LOVED you. 13 Greater LOVE hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you” John 15:9-14.

“For God so LOVED the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 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” John 3:16-18.

REV. CHUKIE MORSI