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"THE GREATEST OF THESE
IS LOVE."
"Now, however, there remain faith, hope, love,
these three;
One cannot have spirit unity with
God, or exercise true faith according to accurate knowledge (1 John 4:7)
(Heb 11:1 NEB),
or have one's hope of an immortal and incorruptible life
within a regenerated spiritually quickened "body" realized (Rom 8:11. 1 Cor 15:44-46 & 15:50-54) True love means obeying the commandments of God. (2 John V.6). Love embraces all of the spiritual virtues, both in earthly life and in one's future heavenly life; promoting a degree of happiness now, which is made complete and eternal in heaven. (Matt 5:3-12). The love of God through The Christ is evident in those exercising true faith, for they submit to the administration of spirit readjustment according to Christ's knowledge of them, and are freed from the superfluous badness inherent in their sinful human nature. (1 Cor 13:12. James 1:21). But without the active works of true faith, there is no hope. (James 2:18-26). Love embraces, develops and governs good principle (agapé). But while love encompasses goodwill and feelings of warm affection for others in the faith, it is not misguided by sentimentality, and hates wickedness. Love is a quality of, and from, Jehovah God, felt by His devoted servants. It has faith and hope incorporated in it. Jesus said: "If you observe my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have observed the commandments of the Father and remain in His love." (John 15:10).
12/5/85. |
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