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Speech
development is one of the most interesting things to observe in a child.
As they grow they first learn simple words that can be used as one-word sentences.
Our kids seemed to learn "no" first. Then came "yes," "more" and "mine."
We have a T-shirt that reads, "WHAT PART OF NO DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND?"
Early on, "no" had to be defined and also enforced. In order to teach a
child that "no" doesn't mean "maybe," we had to be willing to back up our command
with action. When you don't back up "no" you actually teach a child that
it doesn't mean what YOU think it means. This results in the child getting
hurt. "No, don't run out in the street" can bring a fatal response if the true
meaning hasn't been taught.
The Bible defines "love". We
use the word "love" in a lot of different ways. Hopefully if you say you
love ice cream and your spouse in the same sentence, you don't mean "love" quite
the same way! 1
John 4:7-8 says in part, "love is from God; and everyone who loves is
born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, for
God is love." (By the way - the reverse is not true - love is not God.)
God actually defines love. You and I cannot rightly claim
to know God and not exhibit love in our life and actions. If you are not
a loving person, your relationship with Jesus Christ is in question. God's
Spirit cannot be controlling your life if you do not love! Pray about it!
All Scripture references are from the New American Standard
Version unless otherwise noted.
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Love's Definition
