How does one know one has the kind of love Jesus talked about

[JesperBechDane]

Jesus says we are to love God and our neighbour. But love can mean many things. Homosexuals say they love each. Adulterers probably say they love their spouse. Indifferent or drug-abusing parents probably say they love their children.

How does one know one has the kind of love that Jesus talked about? It seems there are so many notions of love today the meaning of the word Christian love has been lost in the 'wilderness' of terms.

How would you clarify it? Maybe this is a good reflection or meditation I'm thinking lol

Cheers!

Jesper

[Meek and Humble]

Re: How does one know one has the kind of love Jesus talked about

The Bible explains it quite clearly:

Leviticus 19:17 " 'Do not hate your brother in your heart. Rebuke your neighbor frankly so you will not share in his guilt. 18 " 'Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.



Romans 12:9Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.



Ro:13:10: Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

So there you have it. Rebuke your neighbor, hate evil, fulfill the law.

[JesperBechDane]

Re: How does one know one has the kind of love Jesus talked about

Ok, I have another question thank you by the way that is an excellent answer I thought maybe Galatians 13 but even that can be difficult to understand.. Thank you for this, it's more concise. Love it.

Another question. Jesus is kind and patient with sinners, the people he has the harshest words for are hypocrites (snakes, scorpions, brood of serpents I think he calls them). So, is it fair to say that hypocricy is worse than sin, when one is a Christian? Also, is there a difference between the two?

Also, another question. I don't understand why you rely so much on the Old Testament. I don't know whether that is good or bad, correct or "wrong", but it seems to me Jesus gave us the New Testament, by preaching it to His disciples who then put it down in words for all future generations, so that we might read that instead of the Old Testament. Maybe it is a wrong assumption here but aren't followers of Christ only supposed to read the New Testament? If not, what parts of the Old Testament are still good? I do not ask this to be tricky, I ask because I do not know, but still reserve my right to be critical of your answer if it doesn't satisfy my sense of what is an explanation.

Thank you, God bless you Christian men and women of Landover!

Jesper

ps. About the good/evil stuff, which is an explanation of what love is as you say and quote, stay away from evil, seek what is good, it seems those two sides of morality are the same to a Christian. Is that the correct way of looking at it?? I find the relationship between 'good and evil' and love somewhat difficult to see.. What does love have to do with good and evil? When one falls in love with a sweet girl, it is neither good or evil, it is just a great thing, why is good and evil suddenly a part of that? Sorry to ask such infantile questions these things have puzzled me for a long time, hope you can answer in some way or other

Cheers and God bless,

Jesper

[Meek and Humble]

Re: How does one know one has the kind of love Jesus talked about

Another question. Jesus is kind and patient with sinners, the people he has the harshest words for are hypocrites (snakes, scorpions, brood of serpents I think he calls them). So, is it fair to say that hypocricy is worse than sin, when one is a Christian? Also, is there a difference between the two?

Hypocrisy is a sin, yes. Whether it is worse or not, I do not know. All sins are forgivable, except blasphemy against the Holy Ghost. But, all unrepentant sins lead to the same punishment - eternity in hell.

Also, another question. I don't understand why you rely so much on the Old Testament. I don't know whether that is good or bad, correct or "wrong", but it seems to me Jesus gave us the New Testament, by preaching it to His disciples who then put it down in words for all future generations, so that we might read that instead of the Old Testament. Maybe it is a wrong assumption here but aren't followers of Christ only supposed to read the New Testament? If not, what parts of the Old Testament are still good? I do not ask this to be tricky, I ask because I do not know, but still reserve my right to be critical of your answer if it doesn't satisfy my sense of what is an explanation.

What a load of nonsense. I don't think you've even read the New Testament if you can speak so ignorantly

The New Testament contains over 900 quotes, references and allusions to the Old Testament, so yes, the Apostles were definitely reading it, even after Jesus came.

In the four Gospels alone, Jesus quotes or references the Old Testament 258 times. In fact, the New Testament is almost incomprehensible without knowledge of the stories of the Old. And if that's not enough, there's this:

Matthew 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
Matthew 5:19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 7:12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

John 5:46 For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me; for he wrote of me.
John 5:47 But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?

John 10:35 If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;

Matthew 19:16 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?
Matthew 19:17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.

Matthew 4:4 Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

John 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
(Jesus authenticated the Bible (at least The Old Testament).)

Luke 16:17 And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.

Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

ps. About the good/evil stuff, which is an explanation of what love is as you say and quote, stay away from evil, seek what is good, it seems those two sides of morality are the same to a Christian. Is that the correct way of looking at it?? I find the relationship between 'good and evil' and love somewhat difficult to see.. What does love have to do with good and evil? When one falls in love with a sweet girl, it is neither good or evil, it is just a great thing, why is good and evil suddenly a part of that? Sorry to ask such infantile questions these things have puzzled me for a long time, hope you can answer in some way or other

Cheers and God bless,

Jesper

What you are talking about falling in love with a sweet girl, that is not love at all, that is evil lust. True love is rooted in God and wanting to save other people, and keeping the commandments. Even Jesus said so.

John 14: 15"If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.

John 14:21"He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him."

John 14:23Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him.


John 15: 10"If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love.


1 John 5: 3For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome.


2 John 1: 6And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments This is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, that you should walk in it.

[JesperBechDane]

Re: How does one know one has the kind of love Jesus talked about

I've read Proverbs and Deuteronomy mostly, because the Catholics were big on those, also a bit from Daniel, Ezekel, Jeremiah, Isaiah. But never the whole thing. It's too much to take in for me, I get lost in all the details. Oh yeah also read Samuel 1 and 2 and Kings 1 and 2, about King David, that was a good story, and funny to read the Proverbs of Solomon afterwards even if they are somewhat condensed lol. No, I have not read the whole thing. Anyway, it was not meant as a stupid question just that when one says one has something New it makes sense to get rid of the Old, and not focus on that, it's just an idea I keep having and can't let go. Thank you for these answers, but they are difficult to truly appreciate here on an internet forum page, again I do not mean to be difficult merely express actual difficulties I have.

About the last bit. What? Falling in love is wrong? But that's what everything is all about! I think! I've fallen in love with everything from nannies to movie starlettes (though they have questionable morals in most cases actually) anyway I think that's a good sign, it feels right like nothing's wrong with it. I don't know. I'm not sure here but I think you're wrong on this one. Can you explain better? If there was a point I must have missed. I'll read your post one more time.

Thank you HB.

Jesper

[Meek and Humble]

Re: How does one know one has the kind of love Jesus talked about

About the last bit. What? Falling in love is wrong? But that's what everything is all about! I think! I've fallen in love with everything from nannies to movie starlettes (though they have questionable morals in most cases actually) anyway I think that's a good sign, it feels right like nothing's wrong with it. I don't know. I'm not sure here but I think you're wrong on this one. Can you explain better? If there was a point I must have missed. I'll read your post one more time.

Thank you HB.

Jesper

Movie starletts? That's not true love at all, not even close. It doesn't matter what it "feels" like to you. The Bible is clear that lust is a sin. Are feelings should not guide us, God's law should:

Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?


Ecclesiastes 9: 3This is an evil in all that is done under the sun, that there is one fate for all men Furthermore, the hearts of the sons of men are full of evil and insanity is in their hearts throughout their lives. Afterwards they go to the dead.

Mark 7: 21"For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries,
22deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness.


Ephesians 4: 22that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit,

[JesperBechDane]

Re: How does one know one has the kind of love Jesus talked about

There is a huge disconnect for me here. Love is a word I connect mostly with feelings. Yet you are saying that feelings are wrong, in the life of a Christian. How can one love without feelings? Sentiment? I do not understand. Also it makes me very happy to be in love with someone, I do not see that as bad, if a bit infantile lol. I don't know. Love without feelings is impossible imo. Without feelings, I wouldn't have gone to this forum and I can't imagine you would have started it without feelings. Isn't hope a feeling?

What you are saying is giving me a head ache rofl

Jesper

[Viggo B. Kristoffersen]

Re: How does one know one has the kind of love Jesus talked about

There is a huge disconnect for me here. Love is a word I connect mostly with feelings. Yet you are saying that feelings are wrong, in the life of a Christian. How can one love without feelings? Sentiment? I do not understand. Also it makes me very happy to be in love with someone, I do not see that as bad, if a bit infantile lol. I don't know. Love without feelings is impossible imo. Without feelings, I wouldn't have gone to this forum and I can't imagine you would have started it without feelings. Isn't hope a feeling?

What you are saying is giving me a head ache rofl

Jesper

Dear Lesber

I remember once in the 60's when I was stil a sinner, I visited one one those hippie collectives, because a "friend" of mine lived there. The way you are babbling reminds me of the way the potheads at that devil-cave talked. Enough about the feeeeelings - do you accept Jesus as your savior or not??

[JesperBechDane]

Re: How does one know one has the kind of love Jesus talked about

I don't know how to, without using my feelings. How can I accept someone as my Lord and Savior without feelings of loyalty, or admiration? Isn't that part of love for the Lord, Jesus Christ? Is it just a completely random choice not based in feelings of respect or reverence? Doesn't having no feelings lead to depression? Actually I'm not sure but it would be nice if someone could explain so I could do something with it, because I don't understand the instructions given so far. I mean I can see them in a glimmer but then they go away that makes me think someone like me can't use them for living by. I don't intend to do so, it just seems to happen.

Btw, where are you from? I'm from Nordjylland, a small town called Agersted. Hope ya's well an' all

Jesper

[Phebe Carlyle]

Re: How does one know one has the kind of love Jesus talked about

I don't know how to, without using my feelings. How can I accept someone as my Lord and Savior without feelings of loyalty, or admiration? Isn't that part of love for the Lord, Jesus Christ? Is it just a completely random choice not based in feelings of respect or reverence? Doesn't having no feelings lead to depression? Actually I'm not sure but it would be nice if someone could explain so I could do something with it, because I don't understand the instructions given so far. I mean I can see them in a glimmer but then they go away that makes me think someone like me can't use them for living by. I don't intend to do so, it just seems to happen.

Btw, where are you from? I'm from Nordjylland, a small town called Agersted. Hope ya's well an' all

Jesper

Hello,

First of all, there is only ONE to accept as your Lord and Savior and that is JESUS CHRIST!!

There are no other gods above him, so NEVER even entertain such thoughts, unless you want to be on the fast track to hell!!

Also, I believe you are over analyzing things, rather than letting God and His Word do your thinking for you. You seem to have a wordly mindset and frankly, God finds that to be a slap in His face!

Romans 12 speaks clearly about this. Just use God's direction and you will be on the road to Salvation! (Pending Jesus accepting you of course)


1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:

5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;

7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;

8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

I hope this clarifies the matter for you.

YIC

Mrs. Phebe Dewitt.

[JesperBechDane]

Re: How does one know one has the kind of love Jesus talked about

Thank you Mrs. Dewitt, your words of kindness are a balm unto the fevers, and passions, that run wild in my worldly mind. May God bless you and James with an ample and happy litter. And a love for each that you feel in the pit of your stomach and never falters.

Cheers!

Jesper

[Phebe Carlyle]

Re: How does one know one has the kind of love Jesus talked about

Thank you Mrs. Dewitt, your words of kindness are a balm unto the fevers, and passions, that run wild in my worldly mind. May God bless you and James with an ample and happy litter. And a love for each that you feel in the pit of your stomach and never falters.

Cheers!

Jesper

Well thank you for your reply Mr JesperBechDane, but you really should be thanking the Lord as they are His words and not mine.

I do realize though that God has blessed me more than I could ever ask by bringing James and me together in union. Again, we listened to God and respected His wishes and His Will and abide by them to the full.

YIC

Mrs. Phebe Dewitt.