A few weeks back in my morning prayer time, Holy Spirit spoke to me about living more out of a “Kingdom Mindset.” What he was saying to me was that my way of thinking, my way of living, and even how relate to other people had to become more in line with the principles that define the Kingdom of God. I didn’t know quite where to start so I was directed to 1 Cor. 13. I began to look at this chapter verse by verse, breaking down each verse to really understand and get revelation on the subject of love. I am still digesting it, because frankly I didn’t even get through the first verse before I realized that I didn’t have anywhere near the understanding and practical application of Love that I needed to have. I thought I would share a few of the thoughts that were given to me.
No one would disagree that we need to love like Jesus did, but very few have a proper understanding of the depth this goes to. Love is the test of a person’s speech, and for that matter, the effect of a person’s ministry and exercise of spiritual gifts is in direct proportion to the degree that the love of Christ is manifest. In other words, the lack of love speaks so loudly that it drowns out the best words of intent. Galatians 5 lists the fruit of the spirit and the level that these characteristics manifest in us will govern the effectiveness and power with which the gifts of the Spirit manifest in and through us.
Th Greek word for love here is “Agape”. It is defined as ” a quality of love that is unconditional and sacrificial. It can also be described as Identifying yourself with God’s interest in other people. This level of love doesn’t depend on the world’s criteria for love (attractiveness, emotions, sentimentality, etc.), it is self-sacrificial. It seeks the benefit of the one being loved, not expecting anything in return. It is a love that means death to self because the essence of self is inward focus, self-awareness, self-will, and self-gratification. Agape love cannot be manufactured, it must be learned, developed by denying yourself (your flesh) the right to react to anything or anyone outside the nature and character of Christ. It’s easy to say this, but difficult outside of Christ, to do. Your carnal nature battles and fights against this relentlessly.
So, what does this all mean? It means that if I declare to be a follower of Christ, I do not have the right to reject someone because their behavior, looks or attitude. It means people know that I love them because that love is displayed. Agape is not secretive, just between me and the Lord. it is not a covert action. Agape will be openly displayed. How is love activated if the person we are declaring and professing to love never sees it?
The time we live in demands action on our part. We must speak, we must openly declare the Kingdom principles that set us apart from the world but, Paul stated it very clearly that of all the kingdom principles that we must manifest, the greatest would be love. This will be the test of whether or not we truly believe what we say we believe.
