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From: dave@cylixd.UUCP (Dave Kirby)
Newsgroups: net.religion.christian,net.religion
Subject: Re: The love of God
Message-ID: <268@cylixd.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 10-Sep-85 11:55:46 EDT
Article-I.D.: cylixd.268
Posted: Tue Sep 10 11:55:46 1985
Date-Received: Thu, 12-Sep-85 08:53:23 EDT
References: <415@aero.ARPA>
Reply-To: dave@cylixd.UUCP (Dave Kirby)
Organization: RCA Cylix Communications , Memphis, TN
Lines: 57
Xref: watmath net.religion.christian:1268 net.religion:7597
Summary: Some further comments on love in action

In article <415@aero.ARPA> homeier@aero.UUCP (Peter Homeier) writes:
>...Love is not very much an emotion.  Rather it is more a decision, and an action.

Too many Christians are unaware of the emphasis that the meaning of
"agape" puts on action rather than emotion. It is a good point,
brother, and it is something we all need to remember.

One scriptural passage that I feel is particularly appropriate here is
Romans 12:9-21, which describes love in terms of results and actions:

Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave
to that which is good.
Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love;
IN HONOUR PREFERRING ONE ANOTHER; NOT SLOTHFUL IN BUSINESS (OW, that
hurt!); fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
REJOICING IN HOPE; PATIENT IN TRIBULATION; CONTINUING INSTANT IN PRAYER;
DISTRIBUTING TO THE NECESSITY OF THE SAINTS; GIVEN TO HOSPITALITY.
BLESS THEM WHICH PERSECUTE YOU: BLESS, AND CURSE NOT.
Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
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.
RECOMPENSE TO NO MAN EVIL FOR EVIL. PROVIDE THINGS HONEST IN THE
SIGHT OF ALL MEN. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you,
live peaceably with all men.
Dearly beloved, AVENGE NOT YOURSELVES, BUT RATHER GIVE PLACE UNTO
WRATH: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith 
the Lord.
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.

BE NOT OVERCOME OF EVIL, BUT OVERCOME EVIL WITH GOOD.

I have emphasised the portions that deal with "love in action." But
I think it is an oversimplification to say, as some teach today,
that love is simply "something you do." More correctly, love is
"something you do from a Christ-like attitude in your heart." Note
the unemphasised portions above, many of which deal with our inner
attitude.

(Note also that "agape" is not a Greek word made up by 1st century
Christians to describe their unique love for one another. "Agape" was
in the Greek language long before we Christians got a hold of it,
and originally meant "love in action." Some don't like King Jim's 
version for translating it "charity", but in the true, original
meaning of charity, that word is the best translation.)

QUESTION TO PONDER: The passage above says to "condescend to men of
low estate." Would that include some of the turkeys that post
irrelevant things to this newsgroup? :-)

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Dave Kirby			"There is no great genius without
RCA Cylix Communications	 some touch of madness." - Seneca
Memphis, TN     ...!ihnp4!akgub!cylixd!dave

(The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect 
those of RCA Cylix. They may not even reflect my own.)