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"No man knoweth the son but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the son and he to whom the son shall reveal him", Matthew 11:25-27. Jesus also related to the Pharisees and religionists of his day, "...ye have not heard His voice at any time, nor have ye seen His shape," John 5:37. What God has "fixed" no man can reverse, nor can devils resolve by their wisdom. In the end, and the end-time only (not earlier times), "John" is God's human scepter (Isaiah 30:29-33; Ezekiel 9:2-6) through whom God tells his story, (Isaiah 29:10-14; Daniel 12:8-9; Revelation 5:1-5, 10:7-11). God is not impressed by human efforts to "study to show themselves approved unto him"! 2 Timothy 2:15.

"He that loveth not knoweth not God, for God is love... Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that HE LOVES US! and sent His son to be a propitiation for our sin", (I John 4:8,10.) "For as love would quicken even the dead, and would call back them that are condemned to die, so hatred (from Babylon, Rev 18:24) would slay the living and those that sinned venially it would not suffer to live. For the spirit of hatred worketh together with Satan through hastiness of spirits in all things to men's death; but the spirit of love worketh together with the law of God in long suffering unto the salvation of men".

"For God sent not His son into the world to condemn the world; (John 12:46-47) ... but that the world through him might be saved, John 3:17. This includes "believers", and "sinners", in fact ALL! We do not "short-stop" at the famous John 3:16, popular with today's Christians. It seems to "limit" salvation to a few and "shortens" God's right arm of salvation, Psalm 78:41; Isaiah 50:2. In the "GOOD NEWS" we go that "extra mile" (verse 17) and recover ALL! That is the "knows"!

Christian love is not a feeling, it is a lifestyle. So, what do these scriptures regarding "Christian love" really mean? Is it a warm fuzzy feeling? I don't have a warm fuzzy feeling for everyone I meet, Christian or otherwise -- does that mean I'm not saved? No, a "warm fuzzy feeling" is not the biblical definition for "love". Matthew's Gospel, the very essence of the Law and the Prophets is to love God and to love others. And we see this term "the Law and the Prophets" used in one other place in Matthew's Gospel. It's in this passage that we find the Biblical definition for love: "Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets." (Matthew 7:12)

Luke's Gospel, Jesus elaborates on this "do unto others as you would have them do unto you" principle. He says, "Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise. But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful." (Luke 6:30-36)

Christian love is giving to others those things that you would want them to give you if you were in their situation -- and it's doing so even if they can't pay you back. In fact, it's doing so especially if they can't pay you back! Christian love is respect for others. It's mercy. It's charity.

When the King James translators came upon the Greek word agape (God's Love), in addition to using the English word "love" to transliterate it, they often chose the English word "charity." This was meant to reinforce the idea that agape is a selfless, giving love. God's Love is unselfish and unconditional. Now we know what is meant by Christian love. Now we know what to strive for.

John 3:16 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.

So remember to love one another. As much as I disagree with the Catholic faith. I still love them, as they are humans, as well. So please love one another, as our Saviour loves everyone of us, believer, and sinner.

Bob

Amen my brothers!  :D

Bronzesnake