Let’s start our exploration with the area of love. God’s love is “agape” love. Agape love is God’s kind of love, unrestricted, regardless of what you may say or do. “Faith works by love” is really a key principle. Louise uses electricity in your home as an apt metaphor. Without electricity little works. Without love we are often “unplugged” to the power of God.
Love works with faith, patience and the other fruits of the Spirit, as described in Matthew 5: verses 44-48 for example: “44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.“
It’s easy to love someone who is always extoling your virtues for example. But, if you get offended by someone, can you love them, honestly? God wants you to.
A Christian out of fellowship with God, is a very unhappy person.
To forgive is absolutely necessary. God asks you to forgive, even those who have abused you, maligned you, hurt you,.
Returning evil for evil propagates evil. Learn to be silent, pray for those who hurt you, etc. That’s God’s way.
Bible Study With Louise Clayton 