Week Four Overview: The Source of Love (Chapter 3)

By: Michelle Guevara (Online Facilitator) 

What an amazing week we had reviewing the true source of love found in God's Word.  As we are confronted with God's truths about where the source of love comes from, I find myself asking what is keeping me from having a responsive heart ready to flourish in agape love.   

Trending this week online was a blurb from The Huffington Post titled "3 Thing You Have To Give Up To Lose Weight Forever".  I admit, I clicked on the link and cracked up when I read the items.  They were basically no-brainers.  But as I carried on about my day, I thought about how those three obstacles are truly stumbling blocks in my journey with Jesus to Become A Women Who Loves.  

#1 The Fast Fix - For dieters, we know this concept well.  Our interests pique when we hear that there is a pill or an exercise-free diet plan that will drop us 2 dress sizes in 2 weeks or less.  Sign me up, baby!  Yet, we all know that true, lasting weight loss does not come with an F.F. guarantee.  Yes, there is no such thing as a Fast Fix. And the same is true when we journey with Jesus to love others the way that He does.  It is Week Four and if no one has told you yet, let me be the first to say that there are not any quick remedies to loving those that are unlovable in your life.  What does Jesus define as real love?  It is sacrificial, transforming and empowering. To love someone that is difficult to love most always comes at a cost.  Whether it costs your time, treasure or just laying down your pride, loving the unlovable in your life is a sacrifice.  But above the sacrifice is the transformation that will take place in your heart and life.  You cannot extend love to others that you would easily overlook without a change taking place in your spirit and mind.  This transformation is something that is so evident on both sides of eternity.  And as if that was not enough, God's Spirit will flood your heart and empower you to keep loving and opening your heart to others. Yes, even those that have truly hurt you.  Which leads to obstacle #2.  

#2 The Blame Game - I know this stumbling block well. Trust me, I am not sitting in front of my laptop as someone that has it all together and loves everyone the way Jesus loves me.  Hello, my name is Michelle Guevara and I am human.  I have been hurt and I have messed up and hurt others.  I have extended family members that I am distanced from because of things they have done to me, my loved ones or circumstances that were misconstrued.  I have played the blame game with God by saying things like, "You know they don't genuinely care about (fill in the blank). Why do I need to help them?"  Or, "They treat me and my loved ones like we are beneath them, why should I go out of my way to come alongside of them?"  And the answer Jesus provides is simple, "Michelle, you are not loving them in your own strength, but in My Father's strength. Stop looking at what others did or did not do. See beyond the times that you have been overlooked, looked down on or criticized and see people through My eyes."  And suddenly, the blame game disappears and I am left with His truth and love.  

#3 The Cheat Day - You and I may never fathom the idea of cheating on our spouse or our taxes, but do we think twice about cheating on God?  How many times have you ever chosen not to reach out to someone that God laid on your heart? Or chose not to tap into the vine by opening His Word?  There are many ways that we can cheat on Jesus during our journey with Him and they are not pretty.  We can make excuses, feign a busy schedule serving others, but when our hearts are not anchored on Him, we will never be able to love others the way we should.  Instead of seeing ministry or opportunities to serve as a blessing, we will grumble relentlessly and see a Martha-heart growing quickly within.  Ladies, this is not a good place to be.  If you find yourself in cheat-mode today, take some time to sit quietly before the Lord and really seek His face. Let Him remove this stumbling block out of your way for good and help you BECOME.  

I love how 1 Thessalonians 3 reminds us of what love is like when we are tapped in the Source of True Agape Love.  

"And may the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow, just as our love for you overflows.  May He, as a result, make your hearts strong, blameless and holy as you stand before God our Father when our Lord Jesus comes again with all His holy people.  Amen." 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13

As we close Chapter Three, let us quiet our hearts before God and check for any stumbling blocks preventing us from BECOMING.  For the Fast Fix, may we remember that He makes our hearts strong. For the Blame Game, may we hold fast to the promise that He makes our hearts blameless. For the Cheating Heart, may we embrace the truth that He makes our hearts holy as we stand before Him.  

Heavenly Father, 

Thank you for this time to do a quick heart check to ensure that there is nothing preventing us from loving like Your Son loves.  May we never forget in our journey to Become Women Who Love the sacrifice you provided through Jesus' death on the cross, the transformation you promised when we repent from our hardened hearts or Your Spirit that empowers us once we invite You in.  Thank you for giving us hearts that are strong, blameless and holy.  May our time with You in this study continue to be anointed, consecrated and sanctified.  In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.