From: Paul Gage
LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD
FEBRUARY 9, 2023
Greetings to the lovely Saints of God,
As we near the middle of February, and approach Valentine’s Day, we think of LOVE. Of the many types of “love,” the greatest is called “AGAPE” which is a reference to the Love of God, that is the type of love God has for each of His creation. That is the type of love we are called to demonstrate to the world, and most especially to the Saints.
Agape (God’s Love) love is said to be unmerited, gracious, and constantly seeking the benefit of the ones He loves, which is all of us. God always loves us, though many times He does not love the things we do, say, or think.
While we can appreciate God’s love for us, personally, the challenge comes, when we consider that we are living in the Kingdom of God, is to love AS He loves us. The type of love that characterizes God is not just a sentimental feeling as we might think when casually using the word, “love.” God loves because that is His nature and the expression of His Being. He loves mankind, not because we have or can do anything to deserve His love, but John 3:16 states: For God so loved the world, that He gave His Only Begotten son…” God demonstrated His Love for us in this: “But God commendeth His love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8.
Some scriptures that relate to the Love of God are; John 3:12-17; Matthew 5:45-50; The two great commandments: Matthew 22:34-39; Mark 33-39; Luke 10:26-38 (Notice how each of these three scriptures end.)
Then, also Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Deuteronomy 13:3-4: I Corinthians 13 on love/charity; James 2:8-10; Moroni 7:50-53; Doctrine and Covenants 59:2 a,b. After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to seven of the apostles on the sea shore and asked Peter a very important question. It was so important that he asked it three times. John 21:15-19. Read this scripture and put your name in place of Simon, son of Jonas, Lovest thou me more than these, lovest thou me, lovest thou me? What will be your answer considering Agape love and not some lower form.
God Bless,
Paul Gage
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