Prayer-Soldier Newbie
Joined: Apr 18, 2009 Posts: 1001
Status: Offline
|
Posted: Mon May 11, 2015 11:28 pm Post subject: That Which Brings Us Closer to God: |
|
|
That Which Brings Us Closer to God
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 10:25-25, 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:
In the ways of our society, we receive respect based upon a variety of reasons. For some, respect is given for wealth, for others it is knowledge, still others may receive respect based upon accomplishments or skills. God does not see us in these ways, but sees us as the children of His creation; therefore He sees us by what is in our hearts. What He desires to find within us is love.
As we invite the Holy Spirit within is, so do we invite His love. As His love is within us, then, so shall we seek to live according to the ways of His Word, and therefore, by His love.
What we do in love brings us closer to God, for He is love and that is why He created us for love to exist within us. It is for this reason He desires that we live by His commandments to love Him and to love one another. If we find this path and are able to encourage others to this path as well, we have the ability to neutralize the evil within the world.
We may see all means of hostility and violence appear to swarm peoples and nations, but we all have the power to set a different example. We have the power to invite the love of the Holy Spirit within us and, therefore, be guided by it. As we open our hearts to Him, He will help us see how we may deliver a different world, a world where all may approach and share with one another the blessings of His eternal love.
This is the commandment our Savior gave us before He rose to be with the father; the commandment to love one another as He loves us. If we have any doubt as to that love, we need only look to what was done for us upon the cross. Even as evil swirled at His feet, He prayed to the Father to forgive even those who conspired to do Him harm. It was His love the Father sent for the salvation of the world. It is His love that allows us to be forgiven of our sins. It is His love which is poured out for all to receive, and by receiving, we are given the opportunity to share. If we share that which we receive from Him, then, the light of love shall shine throughout the world.
May the peace and blessings of the Lord be with you always,
Prayer Soldier
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum You cannot attach files in this forum You can download files in this forum
|
|