Love as Christ

Ephesians 5:2 (KJV)
2a And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us

     God is love. The banner Christ has hung over His bride is that of beloved.  It has been well said that we are never more like the devil than when we lie, and if that be so, then we are surely never more like Christ than when we love. The presence of hate is the absence of love. His charity, when shed abroad in the hearts of the saints, shall dispel any ill will directed towards others.  Christ has loved us; let us love others. This love is a spiritual love, and it is manifested only by the Spirit of life.  It draws from the never-ending stream of Gods eternal supply, and shall never fail as long as we stay seated at the table of God's grace. It is a refined love, perfected by the Saviour and distributed to the hearts of men.   This love is an essential love, for it casts out all fear by its very presence. If we love we know Jesus is very near. If we hate we have not known Him. Now think today of every present distress.  Has life presented you with the unwelcomed gift of malice towards others?  As surely as the earth rotates, moving parts cause friction and where two people are, friction may abound.   Perhaps today your liberty to love has been quenched by the fiery darts of the wicked one, and the coldness of a godless world has stamped asunder the warm flames of charity that were once present in every chamber of the heart.  Could it be that one of these are stirring again the slumbering chords of hate?  If it be so, then run to the Saviour even now!  Beg forgiveness for such unholy piety and discord. He shall restore all thy former love and more!  It is His to give, and freely will He cast it upon all who ask!  We know His light shines full and bright when we love even those who love us not. Such a marvelous grace to love the unloveable can be found in Christ. Obtain this grace, guard it, keep it, and embrace it, for love shall delight your soul.