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'Christ in You...'
by Dale Krebbs
In the English language, there are words that refer to an action that are called "action verbs".
There are others that do call for action, but only in a state of mind or intent of the mind. 1 Corinthians 13 is a word picture of what love looks like in action. The love that Paul describes is an action verb. Otherwise, it becomes dead and inactive as far is relationships are concerned: As the Apostle Paul describes it:
"If I [can] speak in the tongues of men and [even] of angels, but have not love (that reasoning, intentional, spiritual devotion such as is inspired by God’s love for and in us), I am only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal." 1 Corinthians 13:13
Unfortunately, some fully agree with this chapter in the Bible, but only to the extent of the intent of the mind. Some would say in their mind the things that the Apostle Paul refers to are good principles to aspire to, but impossible to put into action. They become a kind moral imperative, but impossible to put into action literally.
However, there is prescribed in other scriptures the way that love can and must be put into action. When we are surrendered to Jesus Christ to live in us by the Holy Spirit, then our actions become "actions" of love in our "works":
"For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live]" - (Ephesians 2:8-10).
What if Jesus simply agreed with the Father that He loved us, but did nothing to save us? We would all still be in our sins because the love of God in Christ never became an action word. He loved us and agreed with the principle of love, but never allowed it to become an action, He never "lived out" His love. But He knew His love must be manifested proven by what he must do. So he paid the price in love for us, with a love in action.
For Him love became His ultimate action verb.
This is the love of 1 Corinthians 13. If love never becomes action, it is only an idea, or at most a feeling and emotion, existing only in the mind of the one who claims to possess love. Some, unfortunately, live their lives with feelings of love without giving themselves and others the benefits of love in action.
Some couples have lived together for a lifetime, claiming their love for each other, and yet no one would ever know it, Because, their love was seldom if ever manifested. Love was only at best, a feeling, but not lived out in actions of love to each other.
Feelings of love and love actions must flow constantly together in a constant stream in marriage, and in our Christian lives. Feelings and actions must become one. Finally, when love is not manifested in verifiable action, that which is thought to be love becomes a selfish emotion, used to stroke the ego. It becomes self-centered pride which puffs up, without being a benefit and blessing to others.
Our love is proven by our good works. Works are our loves in motion.
" For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live]." - Ephesians 2:10 (AMP)
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