The Ever-Learning Disciple

Can we understand love? Well, what kind of love are we talking about? Eros,  the erotic love? You know, the sweet romance that a man portrays as he pursues the lady of his colors. The mysterious, butterfly type love. Philos , the love of a friend? The love that carries us through the days we live. The love that not only comforts us in our time of despair, but also is stern and accountable to the character we hope to mold into in hopes of becoming more like Christ. Or are we speaking of Agape ? The unconditional love that we attribute to our glorious father? The affection that chases us down dark alleys as we leap into darkness. Is it really that distinct? I'm thinking no. I propose that there are specific overlaps within these loves. Overlaps that are tailored to each person, each relationship, each circumstance. If we are to marry, shall we love only erotically? The physicality of our union comes from the love of our flesh. Essential, but a failed marriage ...

We boast in the Lord's grace for us. Meaning, we are honest with our failures-- with ourselves, with others, and more importantly, with God. If we are continually saying, "Oh look what I've done," how are we giving glory to our God? If we are gaining spiritual pride of our own works, we become our own savior. If we continually discern and heed as if we have spiritual superiority, we lose the ability to reach and influence not only the non-believers among us but also our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. If our God is as big as we say He is and as He has claimed to be, we should consider ourselves of equal disgrace as that of a murderer, to the same ignominy as an adulterer or blasphemer.  We lose all humility when we boast in our accomplishment. If we are to boast in anything, let it be of our sufferings, only to magnify the Holy God we love and His adjournment for us. When we concede to our imperfections, we are made perfect through Him. For if a man is standing...