Sharing in the Spirit of His Love

Prayer-Soldier

Sharing in the Spirit of His Love

Scripture:

And it came to pass, that when Peter was come in, Cornelius came to meet him, and falling at his feet adored. But Peter lifted him up, saying: Arise, I myself also am a man.

And Peter opening his mouth, said: In very deed I perceive, that God is not a respecter of persons. But in every nation, he that fears him, and works justice, is acceptable to him.

While Peter was yet speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all them that heard the word. And the faithful of the circumcision, who came with Peter, were astonished, for that the grace of the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the Gentiles also. For they heard them speaking with tongues, and magnifying God. Then Peter answered: Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit, as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Then they desired him to tarry with them some days.
( Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48 )

Dearly beloved, let us love one another, for charity is of God. And every one that loves, is born of God, and knows God. He that loves not, knows not God: for God is charity. By this has the charity of God appeared towards us, because God has sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we may live by him. In this is charity: not as though we had loved God, but because he has first loved us, and sent his Son to be a propitiation for our sins.
(1 John 4:7-10)

As the Father has loved me, I also have loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you shall abide in my love; as I also have kept the commandments of my father, and do abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and your joy may be filled. This is my commandment, that you love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love than this no man has, that a man lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends, if you do the things that I command you. I will not now call you servants: for the servant knows not what his lord does. But I have called you friends: because all things whatsoever I have heard of my Father, I have made known to you. You have not chosen me: but I have chosen you; and have appointed you, that you should go, and should bring forth fruit; and your fruit should remain: that whatsoever you shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. These things I command you, that you love one another.
(John 15:9-17)

Reflection:

The Word of God is for all the children of His creation. While God has endeavored to protect the tribes of a chosen nation, He has not forgotten those who walk outside of those tribes. Indeed, He continues to invite them away from the evil which seduces them. The choice He sets before those of the tribes, He also sets before those who walk outside the tribes; the choice of life. (cf: Deuteronomy 30:19, Romans 1:16-17)

There are many who do not recognize the wisdom of His Word, for they have not been exposed to the Word, have been seduced away from it, or they are indifferent to the blessings which it promises. Those who taste even a portion of its wisdom and love, though, are blessed, for through the study of the Word, the heart may be opened to all which is offered through the mercy and love which comes from God.

The blessing of true love is that it turns us from the slavery of selfishness. It is the endeavor to share the blessings of love which opens us to the joys of helping others as we all face the challenges of the world. If we attempt to face it all alone, the burdens for us can become overwhelmingly great, but as we join hands in help and support of one another, the challenges become fewer and lighter. As we join with the hands of God, indeed, there is nothing for us to fear, for no matter the evils of the world, He will not allow them to follow us to His kingdom.

The commandments by which He asks us to live are commandments of love. If we examine them, the first ones concern our love for Him, our Creator. The ones which come after concern the civility and respect we should have for one another. If we do not keep His commandments, we fall from the path of love. If we do not love, then, we suffer the consequences of a world diminished.

The Word made Flesh came to us, not to subjugate us, but to free us. Evil endeavors to enslave us within its pain and misery, but love frees us as it encourages us to look beyond ourselves to what we may do in fulfillment of that which is right and just. The Son came to us to love us as the Father loves Him; so by this love, we may prepare for the day where we may enter into the kingdom where love is shared by all.

The only begotten Son of God was sent, not so all might serve Him, but that He may be the servant of all as He gives of Himself as an ultimate example of love; a life for the ransom of many. (cf: Matthew 20:28, Mark 10:45)

He calls us to follow His commandments, not for His power, but to demonstrate the power which we may share through them. Can we imagine that there would be no need for police, that there would be no need for soldiers if we did not live in abuse of one another, but to help one another? Can we imagine what we may accomplish if we sought to work in the concert of love rather than towards selfish aims? It is not that we would not need to endeavor, but the fruits of our endeavors would always bear the sweetness of love.

The choice is ours as it has been for all the children of all the generations. Each day we wake and each day we go forth, we have the choice to share the blessings of selfless love. Let us, then, follow Him. Let us live according to His teaching. Let us follow His commandments. Let us keep them by reaching out to all who surround us so we might share in the happiness which only love can bring.

Questions for further reflection:

What does God seek to pour out to Us through His Word?

In what ways does God reveal His love for us?

In what ways may we share the blessings of love with one another?

May the peace and blessings of the Lord be with you always,
Prayer Soldier