LOVE IS

1 John 3:22-4:6; Ps 2 I will give you all the nations for an inheritance; Matthew 4:12-25

I recently came across a book entitled "Jesus is____."  This nondenominational minister out in Oregon has adopted this phrase as his congregations mission statement.

The premise is we need to fill in the blank, Jesus is_____.

He never says this but the blank is ultimately filled in by the live we live, our actions, our words, our stance, our lifestyle, our choices.

What does the blank say as we look into our life.

On the same line of thought we can create a new phrase, "Love is_____."

Again how would we fill in the blank on such a statement.

For many we would say Love is a feeling. Or for others is would be Love is a choice.  And I'm sure there are just as many answers as there are blanks, yet it shouldn't be.

We shouldn't let there be so many interpretations of love because some things are not love.

Ultimately Love is____ well according to St. John Love is a command, "love one another as he commanded us."  The he is Jesus.

What did he command?  "As I have done for you, you must do for one another."  Or again, "no greater love than lay down one's life for one's friend."

Love is a command.

It requires obedience.  It reminds us that it must be greater the the feeling way in the moment we have them.  We cannot always trust our feelings but we can trust his command.

Love is_____.

Yes exactly that.