1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (NKJV): Though I speak with the tongues of men or of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.
This word 'love' is also translated 'charity' in King James Version. To love is to give (and to give the best you know how), hence the word 'charity' here. This word 'love' (in NKJV) or 'charity' (in KJV) is 'agape' in Greek, from the verb 'agapao', meaning 'to love'. Interestingly, the word 'agapao' is in turn derived from the word 'agan' in Greek, which simply means 'much, i.e. to give much'.
You see, you can't say you love, but do not give. God the Father Himself set the example by giving us the best of heaven, His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ to die for us, so that we have life everlasting! (John 3:16)
This same word 'agape' is also found in the book of 1 John that describes God as the light, God is love, and God gives eternal life.
What is the relationship between His light and His love then?
1 John 2:5 says, 'But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is made perfect (i.e. made complete, accomplished, fulfilled) in him. By this we know that we are in Him (i.e. in the light)'. 1 John 2:8 then says, 'Again, a new commandment I write to you, which thing is true in Him (i.e. in the light) and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining'.
In His light, there is love, the fullness of His love! To put it simply, you can't say you are in the light, but have not love. That just doesn't tally.
Romans 5:5 says, 'Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us'. See the word 'given' here? When He gives, we are the ones who receive!
But what is this love for? Or rather, what is the reason we receive this love from Him?
So that we can love one another!
1 John 4:7-9 says, 'Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested (shown, revealed) toward us, that God sent (gave) His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him'.
1 John 4:12-14 then says, '... If we love one another, God abides (stays, dwells, remains, continues, is present) in us, and His love has been made perfect in us. By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us...'
You may say, "You don't understand, pastor, but to love one another is difficult!' Of course, different people may have their own imperfections, weaknesses, flaws, or even the 'ugly side' of them. But this is the time to look beyond all that, and instead, look at how much God loves each of them.
And the Bible says to love one another is not something that's burdensome! 1 John 5:1-3 says, 'Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandment. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments (to love one another). And His commandments are not burdensome'.
Just the other day, I had a dream, and in the dream, I saw how a number of relatives (this speaks of 'brothers and sisters in Christ') having an outing and staying together in a villa, but on the last day, each of them began to pack their own bags, dispersed, and went their own separate ways. I asked the Lord what this dream meant, and He said, "Such is the condition that the devil wants to see happening in the Body of Christ these last days, but fear not, for I will be your linking point. I will pull strings together. I will gather and bring you back together by My love. Allow Me and look to Me. Keep receiving My love to love one another. It is Me, and not your own strength."
1 John 4:18 says, 'There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love'.
Just as light dispels darkness, perfect love casts out fear. Maybe you've been so badly hurt before, or felt so betrayed (from a certain relationship in the past) that you actually made up your mind not to love again. But beloved, know that He is here to help you today.
Surrender all those hurts (and fears) to Jesus at the cross, and in exchange, receive His love anew right now, the love that never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8). Love does not keep hurts. So, let go of all those people you may have kept 'prisoners' in your heart or mind for so long, and begin to release blessings on them one by one. Just like some kings on earth who have the power to release and let go of prisoners, you too are a king ('you are royal priesthood' in 1 Peter 2:9), and therefore you have the power to release and let go of your 'prisoners' as well. This is your time to set free and be set free! And that's how you can love again. In Jesus' name. Amen.
