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he
word “love” is a strange word. One person thinks it
refers to something warm and cuddly, another believes it means
self-sacrifice for another, and others think it means having sex.
The only way to know how another person really understands the
word is to know him/her. Most men think that a beautiful woman
must be a very wonderful and sexy person. Women are usually attracted
to a man’s character and kindness. If everything goes well,
they will eventually get married and then they will discover who
the other person really is! A couple once came to me for counseling
complaining that they had a great relationship before marriage.
But things changed on the wedding night. He was not affectionate
and loving and she was offended. The marriage grew worse from then
on. During counseling it became apparent that they really did not
know one another before they married.
If
you were asked to describe God, what would you say? Most Christians would probably
say that there is only one God. There is no other god, except for Him (Isa. 45:21).
Then they would add that God is three persons: God the Father, God the Son -
Jesus Christ, and God the Holy Spirit. That is an important starting point. But
God is more than a Trinity. It is
not possible to really love someone you do
not
know
very well. What would you add? What do you say about God?
Jesus
Christ. On
several occasions I have had the joy to ask a group of Christians, “If
a non-Christian wanted to know something about Jesus, what would you tell him or her?
What would be your answer?” The group was eager to mention several facts
about Jesus.
Someone
said that Jesus was a man. Another person added that Jesus was both
man and God. Others said that Jesus was born of a virgin mother,
was circumcised eight days later, grew up a child just like every
other human, and was hungry, thirsty, and slept like we do.
What
would you add? Would you explain that Jesus started His ministry at the age of
thirty and died three years later because the politicians and Roman authorities
did not like Him? Would you explain that Jesus came to earth for the purpose
of dying? That He came to die for our sins? Why did He do this?
There
are many things we can say about Jesus and most Christians can name these facts
and more. Many would also say that Jesus returned to heaven and will return some
day and set-up His kingdom.
Holy
Spirit. Then
I asked the group, “Who is the Holy Spirit? What did He do? What does He
do for you and for other Christians?” They were not as quick this time
to mention some facts about the Holy Spirit. Someone said, “He convicts
us of sin!” Another said, “He seals us” (2 Cor. 1:22; Eph.
1:13). Another added, “He helps us pray.” Others said that He teaches
us and leads us. The Holy Spirit also gives spiritual gifts and empowers us. |
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