OCCUPY TILL I COME: EARTHLY USEFUL AND HEAVENLY MINDED – BY LIVING AND WALKING IN LOVE!
REV. CHUKIE MORSI
About Becoming Whom & What You Believe
OCCUPY TILL I COME: EARTHLY USEFUL AND HEAVENLY MINDED – BY LIVING AND WALKING IN LOVE!
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]:
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
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
OCCUPY TILL I COME – IN LOVE: LOVE ENHANCES EARTHLY USEFULNESS AND HEAVENLY MINDEDNESS!
“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! 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 love is the lubricant for our life in Christ Jesus and for all mankind. Upon this we can Occupy In Christ until he comes 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. 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: Greek (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: Greek (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: Greek (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. LET’S 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 (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.
REV. CHUKIE MORSI
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
OCCUPY TILL I COME – IN LOVE: LOVE ENHANCES EARTHLY USEFULNESS AND HEAVENLY MINDEDNESS!
“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! 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 love is the lubricant for our life in Christ Jesus and for all mankind. Upon this we can Occupy In Christ until he comes 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. 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 (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.
REV. CHUKIE MORSI
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: 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 endeavors. 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. LET’S 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: 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 dogma. 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 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’s 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 endeavors. 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, let’s LIVE and WALK IN LOVE, for love is of the Spirit – Romans 5:5.
IT’S HIGH TIME TO LIVE AND WALK IN LOVE. LET’S 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: Earthly Useful And Heavenly Minded – LIVING & 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