Category Archives: Love

Abundance, Bible, Blessed, Blessing, Comfort, Grace, Leftovers, Love, Overflowing, Scripture

OVERFLOWING

ROMANS 5:15

“But the gracious gift is not like the offense. For if by the offense of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many.”

I have been the recipient of extreme blessings in my past. During both of my health crises, family and friends stepped up and helped us financially. I remember there was one Sunday School class that took up over $2700 to help with our expenses. I had others who sent checks for $500 or $300. These were all gifts that were unsolicited – just given liberally. We were overwhelmed and so thankful to them and our Savior.

Paul uses a word for “overflow” that is used almost 40 times in the New Testament. The Greek word is perisseuó which means “to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous.” (Lexical Summary) It gives us a picture of receiving above and beyond what we could ever expect. That’s our God. He blows our doors off!

APPLICATION

This is the word used by the Gospel writers when they described the leftover fragment of fish and bread that the disciples gathered following the feeding of the 4000 and 5000. It said the baskets overflowed. Not only did Jesus take a little and make a lot, but He also provided leftovers. Come on now, who doesn’t like leftovers?

In 1 Thessalonians 3:12, Paul instructs the believers “and may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you;” Okay now, get that picture in your head of the disciples’ baskets overflowing with fish and bread and apply that to the love you overflow to others. Our love should be that way. It should literally overflow.

We’re even told in 2 Corinthians 1:5, “For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.” The word “abundant” is perisseuó once again. Now get the picture: His grace overflows, therefore, our love should overflow, and our comfort should overflow. Can you do that? Can you spill over on others what Christ has given you through His grace? Be a fountain of love and comfort for others?

Father, make me a fountain of love and comfort to others, beginning with my own family.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Christ, Demonstration, Love, Sacrifice, Scripture

A DEMONSTRATION

ROMANS 5:8

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

I can remember going to county fairs or other festivals and watching artisans demonstrate their craft. Some were making candles. Others were doing woodworking. My favorite is watching people cook. It could be fudge or taffy, kettle corn or funnel cakes. Every one of those people were demonstrating their skills which had been honed over many hours.

God also demonstrated something to us, but it wasn’t at a county fair or festival. Long ago on Mt. Calvary, He demonstrated His love for us by delivering up His only Son to die for us so that we might be justified and live with Him forever. All we have to do is accept the gift. The Greek word translated “demonstrates” is sunistémi or sunistanó. I love what the Topical Lexicon says about this word. “God’s attributes are not abstractions; they are verified in history and in the gospel. Because the verb is perfect tense in both verses (Romans 3:5, 5:8), the proof stands completed and enduring—unchangeable evidence for every generation.” God’s demonstration of His love is enduring!

APPLICATION

This Greek word takes another meaning in Colossians 1:17. “He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” But even in this usage, we see God’s enduring character. He has always held everything together. God isn’t juggling the universe hoping everything will fall into place. NO! He has placed everything in its proper place and holds it together. No matter what science may try to say to you, we know the true Creator.

There is another way sunistanó is used in Scripture. It is used to prove ourselves in our ministry. In 2 Corinthians 4:2 we read, “but we have renounced the things hidden because of shame, not walking in trickery nor distorting the word of God, but by the open proclamation of the truth commending ourselves to every person’s conscience in the sight of God.” “Commending” is our word there. We have to demonstrate to the world by our actions and behaviors that we are one with Christ.

What are you demonstrating today? Does your lifestyle demonstrate one who is following Jesus? Do your words reflect the Lord? Just as God demonstrated His faithfulness to us, we too need to demonstrate our faithfulness to Him. We should look different, sound different and act different than the world. Put on your own demonstration today.

Lord God, help me demonstrate Your love to a lost and dying world around me.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Affection, Bible, Holy Spirit, Love, Poured Out, Scripture

POURED OUT

ROMANS 5:5

“and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”

It’s easy to pour out your love on someone who loves you back, isn’t it? For instance, our grandson is one of the most affectionate little ones I have ever known. He loves to give hugs and kisses. We have so many pictures and videos of him expressing his love to his mama or Nana. He even gives me hugs and kisses, especially after a morning walk or when we are snuggling watching some car videos.

Why am I talking about my grandson? Well, duh, he’s my grandson. Lol. No, the reason is as much as I pour my love into my grandson, it does not come close in comparison to how much the Lord pours His love into us. Paul says it so well in today’s verse. Reread the verse again – “the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” You won’t find many other words in Scripture that give as much hope as that.

APPLICATION

The verb used here for “has been poured out” is ekcheo. Strong’s defines it as “gush forth, pout out, shed, spill.” This is the same word used in Matthew 26:28 when Jesus said, “‘for this is My blood of the covenant, which is being poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.’” The verb in today’s verse is in the Perfect tense which means it happened in the past but has lasting results. That’s important. God’s love was poured out on us and has continued and will continue through the power of the Holy Spirit within us.

One of my favorite uses of ekcheo is found in Titus 3:6. Look at 3:5-7 to get the full picture. “5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we did in righteousness, but in accordance with His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He richly poured out upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Well, Glory!

The next time you shower your loved one (spouse, child, grandchild) with affection, think about how the Lord is showering you with His love. He will never stop loving you. He will never stop surrounding you with His presence. His Holy Spirit indwells you, if you are a follower of Christ. Enjoy His embraces.

O Lord, I love to feel Your presence in my life through the power of Your Spirit. Thank You for pouring Yourself into me.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Favoritism, Grace, Love, Mercy, Scripture, Sin

NO FAVORITES

ROMANS 2:11

“For there is no partiality with God.”

I have two children and five (soon to be six) grandchildren. My wife and I promise we do not have any favorites. We love each and every one of them. Now, some may be a little harder to love at times but aren’t we all? There have been times when one or more of them felt we were playing favorites, but they could not see our hearts. Loving them all has been such a joy for us.

God doesn’t play favorites either. Paul says it very curtly, “For there is no partiality with God.” You can’t get much clearer than that. The Greek word for “partiality” is a doozy. It’s

Prosópolémpsia. Told you! It means favortism, respect of persons (Strong’s). In the New Testament, it occurs here, in Ephesians 6:9; Colossians 3:25 and also in James 2:1, which we will look at. Paul’s point is our God is fair and impartial in His judgment of mankind.

APPLICATION

This idea of God’s impartiality was not limited to the New Testament. In Deuteronomy 10:17 we read, “For the LORD your God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who does not show partiality, nor take a bribe.” Proverbs 24:23 says, “These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judgment is not good.” All through Scripture this attribute of God’s character and His direction to us is clear. We are all equal in His eyes.

James 2:1-9 gives a great example of this teaching. In James 2:1 we see, “My brothers and sisters, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism.” Then in verse 9 James uses the verb form of this word. “But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the Law as violators.” Wow! That’s harsh!

Today practice God’s impartiality towards others. Just love them as He would. That does not mean you condone any sinful behavior, but it does mean to look past the sin and see the sinner who is in need of grace and mercy.

Father God, thank You for not seeing me as unworthy and of no value to You.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Family, Love, Mercy, Scripture, Understanding, Untrustworthy

THE POWER OF THE NEGATIVE

ROMANS 1:31

“without understanding, untrustworthy, unfeeling, and unmerciful;”

Negative comments and behaviors can be very hurtful. Have you ever experienced that? I sure have. I will never forget some of the ones I have received in my life. Unfortunately, some of those were delivered by “Christians” who thought they had the right to put me in my place. There is never an excuse for that. We, as believers, cannot be part of that. I hope you agree.

In today’s verse, we have four words that could be good but are turned into a negative by one little prefix. It’s the Greek letter alpha. Just one letter turns these words into the negative. Paul was led by the Spirit to use these four words with this little negative prefix. I truly believe God wants us to see how easy it is to move a good thing to a bad thing. Let’s look at these four words.

APPLICATION

The first word is asýnetos which “describes a person failing to structure information in a meaningful way, and therefore unable to reach necessary conclusions. This person is illogical because unwilling to use good reason.” The good part of this word means to have understanding. Don’t we all want that?

Next is asunthetos which is the negative of a convenant keeper. What is that? A covenant breaker. This person cannot be trusted to keep a covenant with you. They are relationship destroyers. They only care about themselves. No covenants for them. No sir! They are in charge.

The third word Paul uses is astorgos. Now, look closely at this word. It takes a good word storge and makes it ugly. Storge is the Greek word that is normally used to describe familial love. It’s the love a parent has for a child. In that culture, children were often sacrificed to pagan gods. We can see all through Rome the intentional termination of children if they were deformed or even unwanted. This is a horrible word only used here and 2 Timothy 3:3.

The last word we see in today’s verse is aneleemon which goes against the very character of God. It’s the negative of merciful. These people were merciless. They didn’t care about others’ hurts or condition. As long as they came out on top, that’s all that mattered.

Do you see how one little letter, the letter alpha, can turn good into bad. Now, let me ask you something. Have you taken something good and made it bad. It can happen so easily. Let’s follow the Lord in all our decisions and behaviors. Don’t let those little negatives ruin your testimony or the life of someone else.

O Father, let me focus on the good, not the bad. Help me keep those little negatives out of my mind and spirit.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Beloved, Bible, Calvary, Covenant, Love, Scripture

BELOVED OF GOD

ROMANS 1:7

“to all who are beloved of God in Rome, called as saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Okay, be honest. Have you ever called someone “your beloved”? It’s not a word we throw around a lot. I mean, we know what it means, and we probably have people we would consider our beloveds, but we just don’t go around saying that. It sounds so biblical, doesn’t it? Well, it is. Let’s take a look.

In today’s verse, Paul uses the Greek word for “beloved” which is used over 60 times in the New Testament. I love what the Topical Lexicon said about this word. “The church lives, serves, suffers, and hopes as the ‘beloved of God.’” Yep, that’s us, isn’t it? We are His beloved. It’s an intimate word. It comes from the word used by God when He says He loves us (John 3:16). It’s a deep, personal love for another.

APPLICATION

In Matthew 3:17 we read, “…and behold, a voice from the heavens said, ‘This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.’” God used the same word to describe His Son. This belovedness (yes, I just made that word up) began in the Trinity and was passed down to us so that we can pass it on to others. It’s not a thing to hold tightly. The more you share this belovedness, the more it grows.

We see this same word used by the half-brother of Jesus in Jude 3. “Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all time handed down to the saints.” In many of the New Testament books “beloved” is used to attract the reader’s attention before giving a command or a warning.

So, look around, beloved. Who are your beloveds? To whom can you show the kind of love God showed to you on Calvary? You have this love in you as His beloved. He expects you to treat others the same. I dare you next Sunday to go up to someone at church and greet them by saying, “Hello, beloved. So good to see you.” You may get a strange look from them. Then tell them why you said it. You may both leave feeling more beloved.

Father, I know I am Your beloved. Help me love others the same.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Affection, Bible, Greetings, Hugs, Love, Scripture

GREETINGS ALL AROUND

PHILIPPIANS 4:21

“Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you.”

“How’s it going?” “Jambo!” “Aloha!” “Hola!” “Hello!” In whatever language you choose, we all greet each other in some way. Some do it with a slap on the back or a hug (that’s my preference), while others just throw up a hand and wave. We sign our letters and texts with greetings. Today, when you see someone you know, take notice of how you greet each other.

Paul continues to close down this letter and like in so many of his epistles, he ends by sending greetings or giving direction on how we should greet each other. The Topical Lexicon says, “No writer employs the verb more than Paul. His letters end with chains of individual names, each preceded by ‘Greet’ (Romans 16:3–16; Colossians 4:15). Through these personal salutations Paul:

  1. Affirms the worth of co-laborers.
  2. Models inter-congregational affection (‘All the brothers here send you greetings,’ 1 Corinthians 16:19-20).
  3. Demonstrates doctrinal unity—greeting flows from shared confession, not mere sentiment.”

APPLICATION

One of my favorite verses on “greetings” is Romans 6:16 which reads, “Greet one another with a holy kiss.” I have friends in other cultures who literally do that. They grab you and kiss you on your cheeks. It’s not meant to be sexual in any way. It is just a greeting in their culture. This was Paul’s culture. A sign of affection towards a brother or sister in Christ displayed your love for them.

In Matthew 5:43-48, where Jesus is talking about loving our enemies, He gives some advice about greetings. He basically tells us to greet everyone, even our enemies. He doesn’t say to fake it, just greet. I know people in churches who won’t speak to some people because of something they said to them decades ago. Family members will stop talking and greeting because of hurt feelings. This is not scriptural and only harms the body of Christ.

So, whether you say “Howdy” or “Hello,” say it with gusto. Say it with meaning. Say it in the name above all names. Greet each other warmly. Look people in the eyes and let them know you see them and appreciate them. “Hello” goes a long way sometimes.

Thank You, Lord, for seeing me and saying hello each and every morning.

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Bible, Home, Longing, Love, Scripture

A DEEP LONGING

PHILIPPIANS 2:26

“because he was longing for you all and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick.”

I normally really enjoy my trips overseas, especially to my second home of Kenya. I have such dear friends and colleagues there. However, my last trip was a long one and I began to long for home. I missed my wife and my new grandson. It was the first trip that I can remember that my wife also missed me greatly, lol. Seriously, she had not been feeling well so she really wanted me home. I pledged then to not make these trips last more than two weeks from now on.

Homesickness is a real thing, and Epaphroditus experienced it while he was with Paul. As Paul mentions here in today’s verse, Epaphroditus had fallen sick, and word had reached the Philippian church about this. He was “longing for” his home and his church family. He was committed to being with Paul, but his heart was pulling him homeward.

APPLICATION

Paul had used this word for “longing” earlier in this letter (1:8) when he said, “For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.” So, Paul understood Epaphroditus’ desire to return home. He did not begrudge him that. In fact, Paul sends him home. He doesn’t just let him go. He gave Epaphroditus a mission to accomplish – return home and bring news of me to the church.

But I really like how Peter uses this word in 1 Peter 2:2. “…and like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation,…” That should be our true longing, amen? The word “longing” means to have an intense yearning for something. Do you have that kind of desire for God’s Word?

My grandson has been taking his mother’s milk since he was born. Now that he is ten months old, he has been introduced to other foods, but that mother’s milk is still nourishing him each day. He needs that to grow strong. The “pure milk of the word” will nourish and sustain you. Whether you are longing for your physical home, like I was last year in Africa, or your heavenly home, long more for His Word. That is what will lead and guide you here on earth.

Lord God, I do long for my heavenly home but give me a stronger yearning for Your Word.

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Bible, Joy, Love, Purpose, Scripture, Unity

HOW TO MAKE COMPLETE JOY

PHILIPPIANS 2:2

“make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.”

I really like making people feel full of joy. That might be done by surprising them with a gift or a special treat. It might be done by saying the right thing at the right time. It might be done by just showing up unexpectedly. However it is done, the expression on their face also gives me joy. You see, I receive joy by giving joy.

Paul is asking the Philippians to make him full of joy by doing some things to and for each other. Their efforts weren’t directed at him, per say, but he received joy in hearing of their treatment towards each other. Isn’t that what a mentor wants? He or she wants to see them live out what they have been taught. Let’s look at what Paul was asking.

APPLICATION

First of all, he says he wants them to be “of the same mind.” The Greek word here can actually mean to care for or to seek. Paul was asking them to truly think about each other and what was best for each other. It was a heart thing, not just a mind thing.

Then Paul asks them to maintain the same love. The original language literally says “having the same love.” What did that mean? Well, the key is the word “love.” It is the agape love which we know is God’s benevolent love. That love is always looking out for what is best for the other person. It’s a giving love, a sacrificial love.

Next, Paul asks them to be “united in spirit.” The Greek word here is sumpsuchos which is only used right here. Stong’s Lexicon says this, “Sumpsuchos is used to describe a unity of spirit or being of one mind. It conveys the idea of being in full accord or having a shared purpose and mindset. In the New Testament, it is often used to encourage believers to maintain unity and harmony within the body of Christ, reflecting a collective commitment to the teachings and mission of Jesus.”

Finally, Paul says for the Philippians to be “intent on one purpose.” What you don’t see in the English is Paul uses the exact same word he used earlier when he said to have the same mind. He must have really wanted to stress this point. Be like-minded. Agree on a purpose. Work together.

When we do these things we bring joy to our mentors, but we also bring joy to the Lord. Can you spread joy today? Do these things and you too will be full of joy.

Father, help me today to spread the joy of Jesus in the way I treat others.

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Bible, Defense, Love, Prison, Scripture, Witnessing

OUT OF LOVE

PHILIPPIANS 1:16

“the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel;”

Why do we do the things we do for others? I have been helping my wife care for our 9 month old grandson these past several months. Let me say first and foremost what a privilege that is. I believe grandparents have a higher calling for this. My wife and I know that we are not just babysitting. We are investing in a brand new life who is part of our legacy. Along with his parents and other grandparents we are pouring our lives into him to help make him into a godly man, husband, father, etc.

Paul continues his line of reasoning, tying this verse back to the last phrase in the previous verse, “but some also from good will.” There’s a little Greek word that does not appear in this translation. It’s men which can be translated as “indeed” or “on the other hand.” It’s a word written to draw a contrast to another statement. In this case, Paul was contrasting those who were preaching for ill reasons against those who did it out of love, God’s agape love, benevolent love, what is good for others.

APPLICATION

What have you done out of love for others? Now, before you answer that, let me clarify. What have you done out of love for others knowing you will receive nothing in return? Hmmm, that puts a different slant on it, doesn’t it? It is easy to love when we know that love will be reciprocated. These Philippian believers who were preaching out of love were doing this to aid Paul’s ministry and further the Gospel, knowing that 1) their lives were endangered by doing so and 2) they may never see the fruit of their labors.

They were doing this because of what they saw Paul doing – defending the Gospel. The Greek word for “defense” is apologia where we get our word apologetics. Strong’s Lexicon says this word “refers to a formal defense or justification of one’s beliefs, actions, or position. It is often used in the context of defending the Christian faith against accusations or misunderstandings.”

It was really out of love for Jesus that Paul did this and now why the Philippian believers were doing this. They stood tall and proud to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ to whomever would listen. Are we as bold? Do we do it out of love? Do your own self-assessment. I’ve done mine and I know I have room for improvement.

O Lord, give me a heart full of the love of Jesus that just overflows on others.

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