The Word - Feb. 20, 2012 - IMITATE GOD, WALK IN LOVE

"Imitate God in everything you do, because you are His dear children. Moreover, walk in love following the example of Christ. He loved us and gave Himself as a sacrifice for us, as a pleasing aroma to God" (Ephesians 5:1-2).

The Greek language has a word for everything; it is a rich, descriptive language. There is a special word for sexual desire, "eran". but it is not found in the New Testament. Its place is taken by "epithumia", which means intense desire or lust. It refers to erotic love, passionate sexual love God intended to be part of a special place only to be enjoyed in marriage.

The sex act as such is not sinful; it has its place between a man and a woman ONLY in marriage. Outside of marriage it is sin, a sin against one's own body which is the temple of the Holy Spirit, a sin against God, and a sin against the other person involved.

Another Greek word for love is "philein" describing love in the sense of family affection between brothers and sisters, etc. This is not an inferior kind of love; it is love of mutual affection, or of a deep friendship that responds warmly to another persons affection. It has nothing to do with sexual desire. It is based upon an inner community between the person loving and the person or object loved.

It is a loving or liking; an affection for someone that is the outgoing of one's heart in delight to a relationship which affords the pleasure of companionship and understanding. It is a love in which both individuals have things in common with one another. It is suggested that "Agape" love was that between himself and those who helped him in the work of spreading the Gospel.

"Agapan love", is a revelation of the love and character of God Himself. It is a volitional, unselfish, committed love which characterizes God's unconditional feeling toward His children. "Beloved, let us "agape" one another, for "agapan" is of God, and everyone who loves ((agape) is born of God and knows God." (1John4:7).

This kind of love consists of the soul's sense of the value and preciousness of its object. It is a love indicating the value a prizing value of the one loved. Agapan love is the ultimate badge of discipleship. "By this, will everyone know that you are my disciples, if you have "agapan" for one another (John 13:35).

May such love as this, mark the lives of us all in order to be of use for His glory!