The Holy Paradox

John 15:12. This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.

2 Corinthians 5:14-15 For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.

This verse is the essence of the Christian life. All of who we are and who Christ calls us to be is summed up in this one verse: "This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you." From a casual glance, it seems simple. It is His purpose statement for us. But when we ask the questions: “how do I define the love of Christ? And how can I see the love of Christ transform my life into the fulfillment of God's purpose?”… The paradox becomes evident. It may sound simple, but when one approaches this deepest issue of them all casually, which is so often the case, it results in a shallowness of character. In reality, this love when meditated upon is totally foreign to your old nature. When you meditate on this verse, you will learn that there is no end to the depth of its meaning. If we could fully grasp the Love of Christ, all that He is would consume us. His Love is all encompassing. Not only does it define Christ’s character but if we could actually become one with Christ here, we would be like Christ … lacking in nothing. Paul expands on the depth of Christ’s love when he says: Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. For this, “YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, YOU SHALL NOT MURDER, YOU SHALL NOT STEAL, YOU SHALL NOT COVET,” and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. Romans 13:8-10. For me, to write about this brings me to a loss for words, because I quickly realize my unworthiness to even attempt to describe it. So what is the purpose of this post? A wake up call for you and me … that is the best I can do. My prayer is that you will read this and meditate on the love of Christ and that He will show you how he wants to live His love through you. So my purpose here is to meditate on His love and write to you the truths and questions He brings to my mind for you. In any event, this is only a small glimpse of the many facets of the Love of Christ.

Questions to ask yourself about the Love of Christ:

Are you are already one with His love eternally?
Do you see yourself positioned in Christ’s Love in Heaven?
Are you resting and abiding in Him?
Are you at peace whether in good or bad times as you rest in the love of Christ?
Does the Holy Spirit reveal the character of His love to you as you meditate on His Holy Word?
Are your old ways and worldly priorities guiding you, or are you following the love of Christ?
Is the Holy Spirit bringing you His joy and His happiness, as you allow His love to control you?
Is His purpose living through you, as Christ brings His blessings and His happiness to you and others?
Are you resting in your heavenly position, living in His Happiness … abiding above the cares of the world?
Are you focused on His truth, and not dwelling on the issues of the world?
Are you focused on the Old testament laws, or are you meditating on the love of Christ?
Is His righteousness drawing others to Christ through you, as you rest in His love?
Do you have a character problem in your daily walk ... are you meditating on the Love of Christ?
Do not see others according to the flesh, or from a worldly point of view?
Humility is the first sign that Christ’s love; is humility having its way with your old nature?
Are you are practicing humility, as you stand on the truth?
Put off the old image of yourself. It is dead. Are pride and arrogance foreign to you?
Do you glorify you old nature by putting on a cool or worldly exterior?
Is the love of Christ flowing back out from within, as you meditate on his love by the power of the Holy Spirit?
As you renew your mind, is the Holy Spirit transforming you from within, allowing you to grow in the way that pleases the Lord?
Are you praying for inward transformation, rather than outward imitation?
Do you abhor evil and sin in the world, and in your body and mind?
Are you seeking out the good, the clean, the pure, the powerful, and the positive?
Are you an encourager?
Have the things of the world lost importance to you?
Do the things of the world ... no longer stand between you and Christ?
Have you set your mind on the things above?
Do you now view all that is in the world from God's perspective?
Has sin become abhorrent to you?
Does the love of Christ lead you to pray for others?
Have your old ways passed away; and are new priorities ruling and guiding your life?
Have you will become a minister of reconciliation, and an ambassador for Christ ... and is His righteousness living through you?
Is His grace sufficient for you, or are you constantly striving for more than He provides?
Has the comfort of others will become more important to you than your own comfort?
Do you see problems and solutions from a deeper perspective … is His Word leading you?
Has the eternal salvation of everyone you come into contact with become most important to you?
Are you no longer be controlled by jealousy, anger, resentment, bitterness and pride?
Has your prideful spirit been broken?
Has your gentleness become one of the ways others describe you?
Do you speak evil of no man?
Have you ceased being quarrelsome about the things of the world?
Do you have great confidence in who you are in Christ?
Is your faith similar to that of a little child?
Is your love and forgiveness for others similar to your feelings towards your children and grandchildren?
Do you have a burning in your heart to know the truth?
Are you resting and allowing God’s Word to define who you are from inside out; and has this become natural for you?
Does Christ's mercy and concern for others consume you?
Is your forgiveness towards others never-ending, and does it require little effort?
Have your prayers taken on new meaning and power?
Do you see God in all things?
Are you a peacemaker and are you at peace with all men?
Do you stand firm for the truth and ALL that is right and true in God’s eyes?
Are those who are following the old ways standing against you, and accusing you falsely?
Do you go the extra mile?

Your reward will be great in Heaven.

The most important disciplines to learn are to rest in your position, meditate on the Word, and pray for the Holy Spirit to transform you.
Your understanding of who you are in Christ will give you absolute certainty of your eternal salvation.

When the Love of Christ controls you, it is always: “not I, but Christ.”

Meditate on the Word …
God Bless you my friends, Bob
Pray to receive Christ as Savior.