Category Archives: Love

Bible, Jesus, Love, Peace, Scripture

PEACE AND LOVE TO ALL

EPHESIANS 6:23

“Peace be to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

What an appropriate verse for this week! As we are in the midst of our Presidential Election here in the U.S., we are in dire need of peace and love. Each side is at war with the other, mainly through words. There is an obvious disdain for each other. Without commenting on the rights and wrongs of each candidate, I am praying for peace and love. There are some in our country who will not receive the results of the election well. Peace and love will be the last things on their minds. But we are commanded as believers to be peace makers and lovers of mankind.

Paul is ending his letter to the Ephesians in today and tomorrow’s verses. Today, we are focused on peace and love. Tomorrow it will be grace. Peace, love and grace – main columns of Christian growth. Keep in mind, Paul is signing off this long letter which would be read to the congregation. This isn’t an email that everyone would have received. One copy was delivered to the church and read aloud. He wanted to leave them with these thoughts – peace, love and grace. What a fitting close.

APPLICATION

In John 14:27, Jesus said, “‘Peace I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor fearful.’” If Jesus gives us peace, shouldn’t we be practicing peace? It’s not the peace the world speaks about. It’s not the absence of war and conflict. It’s the peace that comes from God the Father. We are told to be at peace with everyone (Romans 12:18).

And we are to love each other. That’s taught throughout Scripture. 1 John is full of God’s love. Look at 1 John 4:7. “Beloved, let’s love one another; for love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” I need to show God’s love to everyone I come into contact with – Republicans, Democrats, Independents, whatever.

So, in this day and age when peace and love seem to be relevant only if people agree with each other, let’s strive to show the world a different way. Let us be at peace and show love to everyone. This is done with actions, not just words. Today, be peaceable. Today, be loving. Show the world what it means to be like Jesus.

Lord, I cannot be at peace and love others outside of You. Be that peace and love through me today.

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Bible, Comfort, Love, Peace, Scripture

THE COMFORTER

EPHESIANS 6:22

“I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know about us, and that he may comfort your hearts.”

Some people just have the ability to comfort others. Their very presence in the room makes you feel better. One of my favorite childhood memories was my mom warming our flannel pajamas on top of our big kerosene heater in the hall. We would jump out of the tub, dry off and put on those warm pj’s. Awww, Comfort!

In today’s verse, Paul is still discussing Tychicus (whom we talked about yesterday). Now, we were told in verse 21 and in today’s verse that Tychicus was bringing news about Paul, who was under house arrest in Rome, so the churches would know how he was doing. But then Paul goes further and says Tychicus “may comfort your hearts.” You have to really trust someone to give them that task. Tychicus wasn’t just delivering a message. He was coming to love on the people and reassure them about Paul.

APPLICATION

Are you a comforter?  I don’t mean that thing you put on your bed, lol. I mean are someone people would look to for comfort. The Greek word used in today’s verse is parakaleó, which means to “‘make a call’ from being ‘close-up and personal’ and refers to believers offering up evidence that stands up in God’s court.” Tychicus was bringing words of encouragement to the church at Ephesus. Everything’s going to be okay.

One of my favorite passages on God’s comfort is found in 2 Corinthians 1:3-7. “3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ. 6 But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; or if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is effective in the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer; 7 and our hope for you is firmly grounded, knowing that as you are partners in our sufferings, so also you are in our comfort.”

God’s comfort is our comfort so we can comfort others. In the midst of our trials, God gives us comfort, He “calls us alongside” Himself. Then we can know and experience it for the sake of others. Just as you would not hog the comforter on your bed, you should not hold back the comfort God has given you. Instead, share it with others. Be a Tychicus today.

Thank You, Father, for Your comfort which You bestow on us.

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Bible, Husbands, Love, Respect, Scripture, Wives

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

EPHESIANS 5:33

“Nevertheless, as for you individually, each husband is to love his own wife the same as himself, and the wife must see to it that she respects her husband.”

Back in the 1960’s Aretha Franklin had a hit song entitled, “R-E-S-P-E-C-T.” The song was talking about her wanting a little respect from her man when she comes home. Even though the song was super popular and really made her a star, the message is all wrong. Biblically speaking, it is the woman who is supposed to show respect to the man, not the other way around. Now, before you get mad and stop reading, I am not saying a woman should not be respected. I am saying when a man is shown the respect God intended from his wife, there will be reciprocal respect shown.

Notice today’s verse. Paul is wrapping up this passage on husbands and wives with this message. Husbands love your wives. Wives respect your husbands. Paul does not say husbands respect your wives and wives love your husbands. It is just understood that if each is following the Lord’s commands which He has given them, each will receive the love and respect they deserve. (look back and yesterday’s blog and the point about the triangle)

APPLICATION

We know the word for “love” in this verse. It’s the Greek word of God’s love, agapao. But what is the Greek word for “respect”? It is phobeó, which means to fear, dread, show reverence to, to be afraid, or to be terrified. Now, context is the key. Look how this word is used in Matthew 1:20. This is the scene in which the angel of the Lord appears to Joseph about Mary. “But when he had thought this over, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.’” Here, phobeó obviously means to not fear or be terrified.

In Luke 1:50 we see this word used again, but in a similar way it is used our verse today. This is Mary speaking during her Magnificat. “‘And His mercy is to generation after generation toward those who fear Him.’” We are not to be scared of God. Instead, we are to show Him reverence and respect. That’s how Paul is using this word in Ephesians 5:33.

Unfortunately, too many women do fear their husbands because of their brutality. God does not expect wives to have to deal with that. God’s plan for marriage works perfectly when both parties are following Him. If you are in an abusive marriage, seek help now. Don’t stay a victim of fear. If you are in a healthy marriage (notice I didn’t say perfect), do it God’s way. Let each of you show each other the love and respect God expects from you.

O God, thank You for showing us how to love well. Thank You for healthy marriages that model Christ’s love for the church.

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Bible, Husbands, Love, Scripture, Wives

LOVE THYSELF

EPHESIANS 5:28

“So husbands also ought to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself;”

Getting old ain’t for sissies, or so I’ve been told. With age comes the struggle to keep weight off. Exercise seems harder. I really try to stay somewhat fit, but boy it’s a struggle. My wife says I like bread too much. True! And I pay for it on the scales. But I want to take care of this old body as much as I can so I can be of use for kingdom work.

In today’s verse, Paul compares the love a husband has for his own body to how much he loves his wife. Barnes puts it so well in his commentary on this verse. He says, “by this, he really promotes his own welfare, as much as he does when he takes care of his own body. A man’s kindness to his wife will be more than repaid by the happiness which she imparts; and all the real solicitude which he shows to make her happy, will come to more than it costs. If a man wishes to promote his own happiness in the most effectual way, he had better begin by showing kindness to his wife.”

APPLICATION

The Greek word for “ought” is ophello which “refers to being morally obligated (or legally required) to meet an obligation, i.e. to pay off a legitimate debt.” (HELPS Word studies.) I owe it to myself to love my wife as much as I love myself. By doing that, I am also caring for myself. You may have heard the expression “Happy Wife, Happy Life.” Well, that’s true, isn’t it?

You may be thinking, I don’t love myself very well, Carl. How will that affect loving my wife? That is a very good question. You need to know who you are in Christ. You need to love yourself. If you don’t, you are likely to take that out on your wife by not loving her well. You don’t have to be cocky and snobby about it. Just be secure in who you are in Christ.

I jokingly say most mornings that I got better looking during the night. Of course, I am usually corrected rather quickly by whoever hears me say that. But I do love myself. I love being able to love my wife well. Do I do that perfectly? Of course not. Most days I fall way short of doing that. But my heart every day is to show her the love of Christ. So, man up, big boy! Love your wife well.

Father, help me to love my wife more than I love myself. Help me show her Jesus every day.

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Bible, Husbands, Love, Scripture, Wives

LOVE Y0UR WIVES

EPHESIANS 5:25

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her,”

Awww! Love is a many splendid thing! Right? We fall into love. What does that mean? People say, “He is head over heels in love with her.” What does that mean? Well, I don’t have a perfect definition for it. I do know I fell for my wife pretty quickly. But our love was not the romantic, movie style love. It was a love given to us by the Lord for each other. That is much deeper than the highly emotional one we see so much of on tv and in the movies. I love my wife because first of all she loves Jesus.

This verse is one of the Every Man A Warrior memory verses. I have probably recited this verse a few hundred times in the past nine years. But not until I did a Quiet Time on this verse did it hit me what Paul was really saying. I have to love my wife as Jesus did the church. He was dying for what the church would become after His death. I am to love my wife for what she is to be in Christ after I die to myself.

APPLICATION

I want to give you a weblink you can go to and read some of the commentaries on this verse. It is:

https://biblehub.com/commentaries/ephesians/5-25.htm

Especially, scroll down and read Barnes’ commentary. He gives some great analysis of this verse and the responsibility of the husband to his wife.

Let me just say, if a husband does this right, there will be no problem for his wife to submit herself to him. If he doesn’t, therein lies the rub. In 1 Peter 3:7 (another EMAW memory verse) we read, “You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.” That’s loving your wife.

Loving your wife, men, means sacrificing your own desires to please her. I love to hunt and fish, but I have learned to ask my wife’s permission to plan those events. The time I spend doing those things which I love is time away from her and our home. Some men may say, “Well she knew I did that stuff before she married me.” Good luck with that. I want to honor my wife and by doing that, I am loving her well.

Father, let Your love flow through me to my wife. Let her see Jesus in me.

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Bible, Confrontation, Love, Peace, Scripture, Truth

SPEAK THE TRUTH, BUT…

EPHESIANS 4:15

“but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, that is, Christ,”

We all love to be told the truth, right? No one wants to be lied to. We would prefer that people tell us the truth, but some people like to be downright rude in doing that. That don’t care how much it hurts the other person, because they just “tell it like it is.” How does that mesh with today’s verse?

In verse 14 Paul has just told us to be careful and watch out for deceitful scheming. He continues that sentence by tell us to speak the truth in love. What did he mean by that? Don’t forget what Paul wrote in verses 11-14. He was talking about the body of Christ and how it is built up. Paul still has that thought on his mind. He wants us all to speak truth one to another but always in love.

APPLICATION

The phrase “speaking the truth” is actually one Greek word, used only twice in the New Testament. It is used here and over in Galatians 4:16. The word is alétheuó which can mean a “Spirit-led confrontation where it is vital to tell the truth so others can live in God’s reality rather than personal illusion.” (HELPS Word studies). In the Galatians passage it says, “So have I become your enemy by telling you the truth?” Paul was warning the Galatians in this passage about those who would lead them away from their faith.

But the key, for me, in today’s verse is the little phrase “in love.” Don’t just read that and move on. Let it soak in. The word used here is agape, which is God’s love. It’s a beneficial love, a sacrificial love. That changes everything. Paul is saying to speak the truth to a brother or sister but do it like God would. How many of us are guilty of speaking truth in our own way?

The next time you need to confront someone about their behavior or their words, do it in love, God’s love. As I close this blog, read 2 John 1:1-3. I believe John says it well. “1 The elder to the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in truth; and not only I, but also all who know the truth, 2 because of the truth which remains in us and will be with us forever: 3 Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.”

Lord, help me to love in truth and speak truth in love. They go together because they are both of You.

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Abundance, Bible, Dimensions, Inexpressible, Large, Love, Scripture, Size

ALL DIMENSIONS

EPHESIANS 3:18

“may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and height and depth,”

The size of some things can blow your mind. I had the opportunity to visit The Ark Encounter in Kentucky last year. It was my second trip there but hopefully not my last. This life-sized model of the ark that Noah built is amazing. It is really hard to get your head around the sheer size of it. Ken Hamm built this based on the biblical records. I can only guess what the people during Noah’s time thought of this monstrosity.

Paul is describing God’s love to the Ephesians in today’s verse. He wants them to understand “the width and length and height and depth” of it. He was trying to say that God’s love is so huge, no human measurements come close. It goes beyond all reason. His love covers the breadth of the globe. There is no length He won’t go to reach us. His love is higher than the heavens, and His love is deeper than the oceans. Think of the biggest thing you know and multiply it infinitely and then go bigger.

APPLICATION

Paul uses a similar expression in Romans 8:39 when he says, “nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” He is painting the same picture of God’s love.  Not only is it immeasurable, but it is also all encompassing. Nothing can come between us and God’s love.

Many scholars argue what Paul meant by these four terms (width, length, height and depth). But don’t get bogged down in all of that. Sometimes we try to read into a verse something that is just not there. The Holy Spirit inspired Paul to use these words, I believe, simply to show how big God’s love was to these Gentiles. They had never experienced such love.

Have you experienced God’s love in this way? He loves you more than you can possibly put into words. His love is unending. His love is eternal. His love is expansive. His love…you fill in the blank. John 3:16 says it all. “For God so loved the world…” Do you believe He loves you that much? He does.

Father, I can’t thank You enough for the love You have given me.

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Abundance, Bible, Blessing, Glory, Grace, Love, Power, Riches, Scripture

BOUNDLESS RICHES

EPHESIANS 2:7

“so that in the ages to come He might show the boundless riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” 

I am sure you have heard stories about rich people and their luxurious lifestyles. It’s on television all the time. Names like Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos are usually among the top 10 richest. But who was the richest person ever? Mansa Musa (1280-1337)! They say his wealth was incomprehensible. Ever heard of him? I hadn’t either which goes to show you money isn’t the answer to everything.

Aren’t you glad Paul wasn’t talking about monetary riches in today’s verse? God promises us “boundless riches of His grace.” The Greek word used for “boundless” is huperballó. It’s only used five times in the New Testament, three times in Ephesians (1:9; here, and 3:19) and two times in 2 Corinthians (3:10 and 9:14). I want us to look at what Paul uses this word to describe.

APPLICATION

In 2 Corinthians 3:10, Paul uses huperballó to describe God’s glory. “…because of the glory that surpasses it.” Later in the same letter, Paul uses the word to describe God’s grace. 9:14 says, “while they also, by prayer on your behalf, yearn for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you.” So, we have God’s glory that is surpassing and God’s grace which is surpassing.

Then in Ephesians, we saw back in 1:19 “and what is the boundless greatness of His power toward us who believe.” Then the last time Paul uses huperballó is in this letter to the Ephesians in chapter 3 and verse 19. “and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled to all the fullness of God.” That means in Ephesians, Paul uses that word to describe God’s great power, His great love through Christ and the riches of His grace.

Paul really liked that word, didn’t he? Through the Holy Spirit, he penned those words so long ago which still ring true in our ears. God’s surpassing glory, surpassing grace, surpassing riches of His grace, surpassing greatness of His power and His surpassing love. Wow! God’s riches are truly surpassing. Are you an heir to all of this? If you are a believer in Jesus, you are the richest person in the world!

Thank You, Lord, for the surpassing riches of Your grace towards me.

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Attention, Bible, Commands, Faith, Honor, Love, Relationships, Scripture

OH, I’VE HEARD ABOUT YOU

EPHESIANS 1:15

“For this reason I too, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which exists among you and your love for all the saints,

We have all probably met someone for the first time and upon introductions, they say, “Oh, I’ve heard about you.” I usually respond, “Well, I hope it has all been good.” People hear things about you. Sometimes that is good. Other times, well… We are never quite sure what they heard or who told them. Who told them matters because they could have swayed the story in one direction or another. That’s why we should live above reproach, right?

Paul is bragging on the Ephesians in today’s verse. He had been told, since his absence from them (he had spent about three years there), how they were showing love for each other and about their faith in the Lord. Living in Ephesus wasn’t easy for a believer. Paul knew that firsthand. They were surrounded by pagan temples and occultic behaviors. But they were remaining faithful.

APPLICATION

1 John 4:7 tells us, “Beloved, let’s love one another; for love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” What better way to show we love Jesus than by loving each other. We are told over and over again how important it is to love one another. The world is watching how we treat one another. Believers must love one another.

I love what Romans 12:10 says. “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor;” I really like the last part of that verse in the ESV. “Outdo one another in showing honor.” Isn’t that good? “Outdo one another.” Look at that combination. It is possible to honor someone without loving them. But it is not possible to truly love someone if you don’t also honor them. Remember that.

Love one another. It sounds so simple, but we let the things of the world influence us. We allow our flesh to creep up and snatch that love right out of the air. We allow the influences of the evil one to spout forth from our tongue. Before you know it, we have damaged the very one God has called us to love. Today, love one another. Let the words told about you shout love.

Father, I want to be known as someone who loved his fellow man. Love through me.

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Access, Answers, Bible, Decisions, Father, God's Will, Judgment, Love, Plan, Scripture

GOD’S MATH

EPHESIANS 1:10

“regarding His plan of the fullness of the times, to bring all things together in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth.”

We probably all had that one teacher that we were scared of. Mine was Mrs. McCracken, my fourth grade math teacher. She told us all on the first day that she might turn green and fly around the room. She really said that. She was hard. I remember having to stay in from recess to recite multiplication tables. Mrs. McCracken demanded perfection. To this day I can still recite those tables, lol.

God has His own kind of math, though. Paul uses a phrase here today, “to bring all things together,”which is actually one Greek word. It’s a long one, though – anakephalaioó. It means “bring to a head, recapitulate” – head-up, summing up all the parts as a comprehensive (organized) whole.” (HELPS Word Studies). In other words, Paul is saying Christ will wrap all this up. He has finished the equation. The answer is clear.

APPLICATION

You are probably thinking Enough already with the math stuff. Sorry about that, but it is pretty plain to see. God had a plan from the very beginning. He didn’t need any “new” math to get the answer He had planned. Jesus was and still is the only answer. Go back and read verses 3-10. You need to see the whole flow (by the way, that is only four sentences, the fourth which continues through verse 12). God had a plan. God’s math always gets the right answer. That answer is Who? Jesus.

Anakephalaioóis only used twice, here in today’s verse and over in Romans 13:9 which says, “For this, ‘YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, YOU SHALL NOT MURDER, YOU SHALL NOT STEAL, YOU SHALL NOT COVET,’ and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’”Love sums up all things. Jesus is love. Here’s a math problem for you: If God is love and Jesus is God, then Jesus is love.

If you had to “add up” your life, what would it equal? Would the negative overcome the positive? Would the hate you show outweigh the love? We need to use more of God’s math and less of ours. Recognize that all things add up in God’s eyes. He knows the plan He has for you (Jeremiah 29:11). His plans always include Jesus. How about yours?

I am so grateful You had a plan, Father, from the very beginning.

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