In a thousand common expression typed into Google each day, it reads, "Will somebody please love me."
It's a cry.
For love.
John writes in his letters about love, and how love is a reality that can reside within us. And, "if we say that we believe in God, but don't have love, then we are liars."
John writes in his letters about love, and how love is a reality that can reside within us. And, "if we say that we believe in God, but don't have love, then we are liars."
So, what is the test to prove whether or not I have this God in my life? Is it that I prayed a sinners prayer once? That I was baptized or joined a church? Is it because I am committed to my family, or that I want to serve my community? Is it because I run from this temptation or that? Are these these the test that prove God exists in my life?
In Exodus 3, God "hears the cry" of his people and rescues them. He leads them out of oppression to a place called Mt. Sinai and gives them an identity and a purpose to ALSO begin to hear the cry of others who are oppressed, hurt, broken, lonely, enslaved, and lost. But not just hear the cry, instead, to actively rescue others who are crying.
Sadly, today Church is described in terms of doctrine, and Christians identified by what we believe. However, the test for people who claim to follow Jesus will always be love. Jesus said, "They will know you by your ... LOVE." Not our beliefs on eschatology, dispensationalism, or any number of doctrinal dogmas.
If there is a test to prove that God exists, and that he resides within me, it's "love."
And love shapes us in such a way, that we can't help but listen for the Cry.
A contemporary theologian once said, "You got to let Love Rule!!" - Lenny Kravits
