The Word - Feb. 17, 2012 - THE HEALING POWER OF LOVE

"And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love" (1 Corinthians 13:13).

In Ezekiel chapter 47, the Lord gives the prophet a view of a future day. He brings Ezekiel to the bank of the river which flows into the Dead Sea. The flow of the river into the sea heals the waters. Like Ezekiel's river, the love of Christ sweetens and heals wherever it flows into the heart of mankind.

It is interesting to note that the words "love" and "loved" are used in the New Testament something like 226 times. Close to half of that number are used by the apostle Paul in his letters to churches and individuals. Here in chapter 13 the word for love which he uses refers to "agape love."

"Love suffers long and is kind." It doesn't act impatiently, always operates with kindness.
"Love is never jealous." It never feels slighted over some one's success.
"Love never demands its own way." It is never selfish.
"Love is not puffed up." It does not think too highly of itself.
"Love is never irritable." It never takes its anger out on others.
"Love keeps no record of being wronged." It never thinks of revenge.
"Love never rejoices over injustice." It never exults over others mistakes.
"Love rejoices in the truth." It is glad when believers walk in truth.
"Love never gives up." Will always stand without wavering for truth.
"Love endures all things." It is patient, waits for wrong to be righted by the truth.
"Love never fails." If love is real it will last forever.

Let us follow after love, for in its fullness, it is the crowning virtue of a believer's character. The love of Christ claims out affection, controls our activities and assures our victory over the flesh and the devil.

Here in our Scripture we are introduced to "The More Excellent Way", the true spirit of how we all should live. May the river of His love flow into our hearts in all its fullness. It will enrich our lives, sweeten our dispositions, and give value to all we do for Christ our Lord and Savior.