Maturity In Relationships : Pastor Tony Samuels

When I was a child, I spoke about childish matters, for I saw things like a child and reasoned like a child. But the day came when I matured, and I set aside my childish ways.  -1 Corinthians 13:11 (TPT)

)ne of the major characteristics of being a Christian is love. Jesus said, “By this shall men know you are my disciples:  the love you have for one another.” If you say you are a disciple of Jesus Christ, then you are saying you are one who loves. When we think about love, we limit it to a feeling or an emotion.  However, true Bible love is not based on feelings or emotions; it is based on a decision, an act of the will that says I am going to love you regardless of you; I am going to love you because I am a disciple of Jesus, and I am commanded to love.  Interestingly, we are commanded to love by our Lord and Savior. 1 John 3:23 says, “And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the Name of His son and love one another.”

This area of walking in love has to be one of the greatest areas of challenge. Look at what James 4:1 says: “What is the cause of your conflicts and quarrels with each other? Doesn’t the battle begin inside of you as you fight to have your own way and fulfill your own desires?” So, the Bible says that our conflicts with each other actually start within us…a battle between God’s way and our way; a battle between our desires and what God desires. However, I have some good news: the Bible says that the Love of God has been shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, it is not our human love that is going to get the job done; it’s the Love of God within us.

Now, everything in the Kingdom of God operates by Faith, so become aware that God’s Love is in you.  Declare out loud: “I have Gods Love in me, and I am empowered to love at all times!” Remember, we are growing.  If you miss the mark, get up and do it again. It might start by simply biting your tongue and growing into replying with a soft answer. Eventually the emotional realm will have to line up with what the Spirit is doing…and practice makes perfect. Look at the message of 1 John 4:17-18: “God is Love.” When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house and becomes at home and mature in us, so that we’re free of worry on Judgment Day; our standing in the world is identical with Christ’s. There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear.you begin to operate in love, it will begin to expand in your life, but it cannot be optional…it has to be a priority.  No, it is not easy, but it will become easier. Now, let’s take a look at the opening Scripture, 1 Corinthians 13:11 (TPT): “When I was a child, I spoke about childish matters, for I saw things like a child and reasoned like a child. But the day came when I matured, and I set aside my childish ways.” It’s amazing that this Scripture came right after the Bible describes the characteristics of love. So it’s safe to say that in the Kingdom of God, our maturity is not based on my preaching, my prophesying, my feeding the poor, my great faith; our maturity level is based on our love walk. As we grow up to go up, let us grow in the area of love this year like never before. God sees when you decide to walk in love, and it is a sacrifice He will honor in your life.  Sacrifice always produces blessings. Ephesians 5:1-2, “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

January 5th, 2020