When I read this scripture it really blessed me as so many of the scriptures do. But this translation doesn't just say those who love Me, it says those who passionately love Me, using the word passionately takes the whole thing to another level. It means being Intense, fervent, zealous, vehement and heartfelt about something, in other words you are consumed by the very thing you passionately love.
When was the last time you were passionate about something? When was the last time something gripped you and drove you and excited you? Maybe it was the women's world cup or the Cricket world cup, Wimbledon or some other sporting event. The problem though with being passionate about something like a sporting event is that emotion can be short lived and what you get in return can soon leave you feeling empty and longing for the next thing to come along.
But here in this verse from the gospel of John we see and are promised a reciprocal response. That if we passionately (Intensely, fervently, zealously, etc.), love God and show that, then He will love us back with the same passion and in addition He'll manifest His life in us. In fact He's already demonstrated just how passionately He loves us in a way we never could show Him, in that while we were still sinners, doing things that we knew were wrong and not caring too much about it, Christ died for us. (Read Romans 5:8) He left His throne and the glory and majesty of Heaven and came to earth and constrained Himself in a body so He could shed His blood on the cross to give us a way back to Him and have our sins washed away, forgiven and forgotten through repentance.
He also calls us to love one another in the same way, and if we did so how much better would the world be. If we put each other before ourselves we, would all be blessed and feel loved.
In John 13:34 Jesus says ''A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another''. and in Romans 12:10 it says 'Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves'.
Is there someone in your life you love? Why not make sure they know it by showing them that you love them with every fibre of your being. Don't be half soaked about it, surrender yourself to the Holy Spirit and ask Him to fill you with the Love of Christ for that person and then do something about it. I recently asked a group of women what they liked their husbands to do to show them love and affection and here are some of the answers.
Doing small mundane tasks without being asked. Make a cup of tea some time during the day. Hold hands. Never stop saying 'I love you'. Tell me he loves me. Words of affirmation (not flattery). Continual openness. Not too macho to share feelings or problems. Has that special smile for you only. Give me a hug or a kiss. One lady explained that hugs and kisses were like the polyfiller of a loving relationship. Without these it's like planting a tree in the ground and depriving it of water.
None of the above are difficult but they all say 'I'm passionate about the way I love you'. Give it a go, you might just find that the person you love in this way returns that love. Just as Christ promised in the scripture at the beginning of this article. Whoever passionately loves Me will be passionately loved by My Father. And I will passionately love you in return.
May you know God's passionate love in your life.
Every blessing to you all.
Author
Kevin Hunt.
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