the physics of love
We can only give what we have received.We can only love perfectly in as much as we have received perfect love (i.e. you can't give what you haven't received).
If we haven't received love in an area of our lives (i.e. unconditional acceptance of our attitudes, behavior and looks), we cannot unconditionally accept others in that area.
If we don't abide in God's unconditional love and acceptance of our attitudes, behavior and looks we cannot bear (not produce) the fruit of unconditional love and acceptance.
abiding (receiving) IS doing
posted by Rick @ 8:04 AM
2 Comments:
hmm. i think i disagree. from the human aspect it is possible to learn to love without having received love. it is possible to learn joy without having received joy. it is possible to give in greater measure than we have received.
not saying that it is easy, or likely. rather, saying that we, as humans, are gifted with the potential to achieve beyond the measure we have received from other humans.
as for the God part of the argument, i do agree that we can go a lot further with our gifts if we abide in their source.
Well, I respectfully disagree with wilsford. We, as humans, are born totally depraived. Everything we do as humans has a selfish, self-centered purpose. This is the entire argument in the letters to the Corinthians. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. If any of these, in their true form, were attainable in our humanity they would not have to be produced through us by the Spirit. While we can love in one form, it is not perfect love. This is what Peter was talking about when Jesus asked him if he loved (agape) Him. Peter said "you know I love (phileo) you." Two different loves. One perfect, agape; one imperfect, phileo. Peter recognizes his inablity to love perfectly. Great post.
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