What is true love?

Many gays will protest that God is a “God of love,” and they think that
as long as we’re happy and in love – how could something so
right be so wrong? They feel God couldn’t condemn such
relationships and wonder how anyone could think He would. But
mortal thoughts and opinions aside (Prov. 14:12; Isa. 55:8), if
there is a Creator God, and if the Bible is His Instruction
Manual for mankind, we’d better base our beliefs solely on
what’s revealed within its pages. Faith must have a foundation
(Rom. 10:17).

If the homosexual argument that “as long as we’re happy and in
love” is valid, couldn’t the same defense be made to sanction
incestuous relationships? Or premarital experiences or
adulterous affairs? Do we always know what’s best for us?
Couldn’t we be like grown-up teenagers who think they know
everything, when in reality they don’t?

Hasn’t it been said, and true at times, that “love is blind?”
Is it just a matter of feeling happy? Can’t feelings fool us
sometimes? Isn’t that why family and friends have cautioned us
to “keep your head above your heart?” Is all love proper? Are
all affections good and healthy? What about being “lovesick?”
Shouldn’t there be some form of standards to judge by or
criteria for character? Isn’t there any game plan? Hasn’t love
too often been confused with lust (2 Sam. 13:15)?

Satan is “love!”

If we look into the Bible (not Freud, the latest sexual survey,
or some kinky report), we’ll find that it does condemn: the love
of vanity (Ps. 4:2), of simplicity (Prov. 1:22), of excessive
sleep (Prov. 20:13), of religious lies (2 Thes. 2:10), illicit
sex, improper lovers, and “foreign affairs” (Ezek. 23:11, 17,
22; 16:37), of evil (Micah 3:2), drunkenness (Hos. 3:1),
self-righteousness (Mat. 6:5; 23:6), of money (1 Tim. 6:10),
this present world system and its ways (1 Jn. 2:15), spiritual
darkness (Jn. 3:19), the kick-back of wrongdoing (2 Pet. 2:15),
of ourselves in an unhealthy way and of cheap thrills (2
Tim.3:2,4), violence (Ps. 11:5), strife (Prov. 17:19), and even
having a greater love for family or friends than for God (Matt.
10:37).

Therefore, the Bible clearly reveals that various forms of love
and feelings are wrong, that certain human relationships are
forbidden and condemned (Lev. 18), and that true love must be
consistent with God’s character and commandments (1 Jn. 5:3).
Any other “love” isn’t from God, but from Satan who is (such)
“love!” He’s the clever counterfeit; the snake who confuses the
issues and twists the truth. It’s precisely because God is Love
(1 Jn. 4:8) that He wants to protect us from those Canaanite
customs, perverted practices, and harmful ways that would
ultimately undermine our land and lives (Lev. 18:30).

Still, some would angrily question how anyone could allow some
old-fashioned Book to dictate their lives; after all, it’s
thousands of years old! But who would argue that the
time-honored commandments against murder, or prohibition that
protects private property or safeguards marriage and minds, or
upholds honesty and virtue and being content are outdated?
They’re tried, tested, and true. Naturally, it’s easier to
accept something as long as it doesn’t hit home or step on our
toes. It’s still typical, “A man (or woman) convinced against
his will is of the same opinion still.” Don’t waste your time
confusing them with the facts (Matt. 7:6; 15:14).

Obviously, this is a very sensitive subject. If someone does
become convinced or converted to the truth – great! More power
to them. But if others choose to continue in their contrary
lifestyles, dying for sex rather than living for God and His
Kingdom – that’s their choice. God gives us all the prerogative
to do as we please, but He strongly recommends and encourages us
to “choose life” (Deut. 30:10); an even more appropriate message
considering the high risk of AIDS. It’s so difficult to
TRANSCEND HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS – but we must, if and whenever
it’s necessary (Mark 10:28-30).

Living Responsible Lives

The “last days” are supposed to be reminiscent of earlier
times, “as it was in the days of Noah,” and “as it was in the
days of Lot.” How was it in days of yore? Just like today.
Apparently, ignoring the dire need to make drastic changes in
their lives, they conducted “business as usual” and fiddled
about or got carried away with less important things (Deut.
32:47; Mark 4:19). It’s recorded that they ate and drank, got
married, and went to work everyday – until they were consumed by
their burning desires and swept away by their sins (Luke
17:26-30).

What’s wrong with eating and drinking or working? We might very
well wonder. Didn’t God create us with an appetite and a thirst,
as well as a need for physical exertion? Yes, but certain
tastes, desires and relationships should be nipped in the bud;
not allowed to grow or develop or take root (Jas. 1:14-15)! Many
things are good of and by themselves, and not wrong, but God’s
imposed conditions, restraints and guidelines for us to live by.

We’re meant to enjoy those foods that God has blessed and
offered us (Lev. 20:25; 1 Tim. 4:5), and even have an occasional
drink, if we want. The Bible condemns gluttony, not eating;
drunkenness, not drinking; greed, not need. It’s what we do with
what we’re given. And we are instructed to work and be
productive, but we’re also commanded to remember the Sabbath
(seventh day) to keep it holy. It’s counterproductive to become
too busy earning a living, that we neglect learning how to live
(2 Pet. 3:18)!

Although we’re at liberty to do almost anything, within reason
(Gen. 2:16-17), we’re to remember that we’re held responsible
for how we handle ourselves and manage our new-found freedoms
(Ga. 5:13). We’re not to abuse our privileges (1 Cor. 8:9), but
be careful not to get caught up in things that could too easily
get out of control (2 Pet. 2:20). A night of good, clean fun can
quickly degenerate into an atmosphere of “just like the old
times.” We’re entitled to time-out with the boys (or girls),
just don’t let your diversion become an obsession (1 Cor. 6:12)
- as my mother once warned me!

Keep Your Head Above Your Heart!

Is it – as some would charge – being cold and cruel, even
inhuman, to be in control of your mind and emotions? Isn’t it
rather mature to exercise proper self-control, sick and tired of
giving in to compulsion? Isn’t it judicious to carefully
cross-examine every thought, thereby destroying the defense of
our death sentence, commuting it in Christ (2 Cor. 1:9; 10:4-5;
1 Cor. 11:31)?

Doing what just comes natural or seems normal might excite
Nietzsche; but it’s not good enough for God. God wants us – mere
mortals made out of matter – to come to resemble, think and act
like Him. “Like Father, like Son.” Why? Is God on some big
ego-trip and wants a bunch of clones to come along for the
joy-ride? No, but because it’s the only way that’ll work. He
ought to know the secret for living happily ever after.

Mankind, after all, was created in the image of the Godkind,
and shares the awesome potential to become composed of God’s
Spirit – after we’ve developed His characteristics (1 Cor.
15:53). God’s eager to award us all the Diploma of Divinity
after we’ve finished the course of conversion (2 Cor. 3:18).
Therefore, instead of just doing what comes natural – we’re to
do the supernatural! We’re to turn the other cheek instead of
busting their jaw; forgive rather than fume; pray for our
enemies rather than swear revenge, giving peace a chance. We’re
continually called to be different – in contrast, not
conformity, to this world (Rom. 8:29).

Tough-Love

There is a time and a place for “tough-love.” We’re not to show
the “mercy of fools” for welfare frauds or lazy bums (2 Thes.
3:10), or have compassion on cold-blooded murderers or hardened
criminals, despite their many appeals (1 Sam. 15:32-33; Rom.
13:4).

We shouldn’t refuse to use corporal punishment (Prov. 13:24).
It might hurt for awhile, but hopefully the lesson (that actions
have consequences) will last a lifetime (Prov. 19:18; 23:13;
29:15). It could keep them out of worse trouble later (Ecc.8:11).

We’re also not to allow our emotions for loved ones to lead us
to hell (Deut. 7:3-4; 13:6-9), or wrong relationships to get in
our way. Despite the grief of saying goodbye, and the pain of
tearful separation (2 Sam. 3:14-16; Ezra 10:3), you’ve got to do
what you’ve got to do. Why make it any more difficult? Don’t
procrastinate and prolong your misery. Get it over with and get
on with your life! We don’t have time to waste in no-win
situations (Ephes. 5:16).

We shouldn’t try and be more understanding and tolerant than
God, but refuse to even associate with a Church member who’s
living in sin without any apology or shame (1 Cor. 5:1-2, 9-13).
And we should NEVER entertain any notions about ordaining such
people!

Of course, we shouldn’t cop a self-righteous attitude (Ga.
6:1), but realize the prayerful purpose is to help restore
everyone to their senses (knowing that ongoing sin results in an
eternal separation). If and whenever such a person “comes to”
(Luke 15:17, 20), he’s to be welcomed back with wide-open arms
(2 Cor. 2:6-8). A little love can go a long way, and encourage
us to do even better – rather than give up. But sometimes the
situation calls for “shock-treatment” (tough-love), as well as
private counseling. “Different strokes for different folks,” so
to speak (Lk. 12:47-48).

The moral of this story? Don’t get blinded by the light: the
glitter of “love,” the hot-flash of emotion, and the gleam of
relationships (2 Cor. 11:14). The going price for fool’s gold is
too high to pay. Walk away. It’s not worth it

David Ben-ariel
http://www.articlesbase.com/religion-articles/what-is-true-love-2262.html

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