I am continuing on a theme about knowing God, thus Jesus that I began with my two articles, The Most Misunderstood and Maligned Man on Earth - Jesus Christ and The Love of God. Most Christians do not really know God, yet they make decisions, and sometimes judgments, based on what they think God would do. I am shocked, and sometimes horrified, at some of the verdicts these ignorant folks have handed down to family and friends, as well as their enemies, because they themselves lack an intimacy with God. They would have that intimacy if they would daily lay down their pride, submitting their will to the word of God. The single most important and recognizable attribute about God and Jesus is LOVE! People know whether you really love them or not. People can have differences and a parent can discipline their children, but the thing both adults and children know is whether someone truly loves them. If they do not feel love, then all your efforts are null and void. 

Colossians 2:9-10 “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:” Ephesians 3:19, “And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with the fulness of God.” John 13:35, “ ‘By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one for another.’ ” Galatians 2:20, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Revelation 1:5-6, “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, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 John 4:11-13, “Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.” John 14:12, 23, “ ‘Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father... Jesus answered and said unto him, ‘If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.’ ” These verses really give a slap in the face to denominations that try and say miracles are not for today. Once again, it’s bad theology and unbelief that causes miracles to cease! Romans 8:32-35, “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?...” 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.’ ” 1 Peter 4:8, “Above all things have love, for love covers a multitude of sins.” 

When we are filled with the fullness of God, there is nothing we will not do for Jesus or one another. Respect, love and honor are important for us to show others as this is the attitude of God himself. Revenge, dishonor, humiliation or exposing a perceived sin is something one should never do. God would never separate the brethren, but He would always seek to enhance and restore relationships. Love does not act as judge, jury and executioner in a difference. It has the matter settled privately if possible. If a resolution is not reached, then an objective chairman, as well as non-biased witnesses and jurors, may be needed to find the truth. The goal is to always keep the relationship healthy and seek restoration if there is a breech. Love does not prejudge or attempt to perceive the intent of someone else’s heart, but instead, with one on one communication, be amiable and gracious so that the intent can be freely expressed.

Dr. Jonathan Hansen 

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