Pastor Chukie – Page 112

THIS CHRISTMAS PREP – SIGHTING AND VISUALISING THE UPCOMING OF A NEW DAWN YEAR

December 13, 2024 By Pastor Chukie Leave a Comment

THIS CHRISTMAS PREP – SIGHTING AND VISUALISING THE UPCOMING OF A NEW DAWN YEAR: STILL AT DECADE 2020’S – A DECADE OF SIGNIFICANCE!

SCRIPTURAL THOUGHTS:

“Where there is no VISION, the PEOPLE perish: but he that keepeth the law, HAPPY is he” Proverbs 29:18.

“I will STAND upon my WATCH, and SET me upon the tower, and will WATCH to see what he will SAY unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved. 2 And the Lord answered me, and said, WRITE the VISION, and make it PLAIN upon TABLES, that he may RUN that READETH it. 3 For the VISION is yet for an APPOINTED time, but at the END it shall SPEAK, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry” Habakkuk 2:1-3.

“The HORSE is PREPARED AGAINST the DAY of BATTLE: but safety is of the Lord” Proverbs 21:31.

“Seest thou a man DILIGENT in his BUSINESS? he shall STAND before KINGS (HONOUR, DIGNITY, NOBLE); he shall not STAND before MEAN (OBSCURE, SLOTHFUL, SLUGGARD, UNPRODUCTIVE) men” Proverbs 22:29.

“Now FAITH is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders OBTAINED a good report. 3 Through faith we understand that THE WORLDS WERE FRAMED BY THE WORD of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear . . .6 But WITHOUT FAITH it is IMPOSSIBLE to PLEASE him: for he that cometh to God must BELIEVE that he is, and that he is a REWARDER of them that DILIGENTLY seek him” Hebrews 11:1-3, 6.

“For God is NOT UNRIGHTEOUS (UNJUST) to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same DILIGENCE to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 12 that ye be NOT SLOTHFUL, but FOLLOWERS OF THEM who through FAITH and PATIENCE INHERIT THE PROMISES” Hebrews 6:10-12 Emphasis Mine.

REV. CHUKIE MORSI

THIS DECEMBER – THIS CHRISTMAS: LIVE WITHIN YOUR FAITH BY GOD IN CHRIST JESUS STEAD!

December 13, 2024 By Pastor Chukie Leave a Comment

THIS DECEMBER – THIS CHRISTMAS: LIVE WITHIN YOUR FAITH BY GOD IN CHRIST JESUS STEAD!

“Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the JUST shall LIVE by HIS faith” Habakkuk 2:4.

“Therefore I tell you, STOP BEING WORRIED or ANXIOUS (perpetually uneasy, distracted) about your life, as to what you will EAT or what you will DRINK; nor about your BODY, as to what you will WEAR. Is LIFE not more than food, and the BODY more than clothing? . . .” Matthew 6:25-34/Amplified.

In this Month DECEMBER – during the cause of this CHRISTMAS, it’s wise and expedient that you LIVE within your FAITH of God in Christ Jesus; that means, you must avoid, endeavour to run away and to completely keep at bay, the attitude of living beyond your resources in the name of celebrations; that means also to ENSURE that you do apply this prudence principle that assures good decision for your own good and goodness:

“RUN AWAY FROM THE DRIVE TO BUY TODAY IN DEBT – AND TO PAY LATER [TOMORROW] IN WORRY, PAIN, DEPRESSION, FEAR AND SUCH LIKE”

It’s PEACE and GOOD WILL toward men, we are promised in the scriptures and not a BROKEN, TROUBLED, TRAUMATISED, ANXIOUS and DEPRESSED spirit because of the INDEBTEDNESS and INFIGHTINGS within oneself and with others – all in the name of CHRISTMAS bad decisions – which results from the spirit of, the buying in INDEBTEDNESS to end up having no rest of the mind and of the PEACE, GOODWILL and TRANQUILITY as SCRIPTURALLY promised.

“Do NOT be ANXIOUS or WORRIED about ANYTHING, but in EVERYTHING [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. 7 And the PEACE of God [that peace which REASSURES the heart, that peace] which TRANSCENDS all understanding, [that peace which] STANDS guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours]” Philippians 4:6-8/Amplified.

You need not let what you can’t have or give ruin your faith and faithfulness because of – This CHRISTMAS in this DECEMBER. Therefore, in this Christmas, don’t be indebted, live within your faith and enjoy a peaceful life for the moment.

“LET NOT THE SPIRIT TO BUY IN DEBT TODAY AND KEEP WORRYING AFTERWARDS TO RUIN YOUR JOY AND RELATIONSHIP IN VIEW”.

Your HAPPINESS, JOY and PEACE are within your reach, don’t mess it up with a BROKEN, TROUBLED, TRAUMATISED and DEPRESSED spirit of indebtedness. Be in control and custodian of your WELL-BEING and let not COMPARISON of others and the LUST to show off, ruin your gracious happiness in Christ Jesus and family you love and care about, in such a time as – THIS CHRISTMAS!

Let it be ‘MERRY CHRISTMAS’ and not a ‘SADDENED INDEBTEDNESS CHRISTMAS’ for you, family, love ones and all those you care about.

LIFE IS WORTH LIVING – ONLY BY FAITH FOR THE JUSTIFIED IN CHRIST JESUS.

A MERRY AND BLESSED CHRISTMAS, I WISH YOU IN CHRIST JESUS STEAD. AMEN.

SCRIPTURAL THOUGHTS WORTH PONDERING IN CONTEXT:

“Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the JUST shall LIVE by HIS faith” Habakkuk 2:4 (Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38; Romans 1:17).

“And the angel said unto them, FEAR NOT: for, behold, I bring you GOOD TIDINGS of great JOY, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is BORN THIS DAY in the city of David a SAVIOUR, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host PRAISING God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth PEACE, GOOD WILL toward men” Luke 2:10-14.

“The spirit of a man will SUSTAIN his INFIRMITY; but a WOUNDED (BROKEN) spirit who can bear?” Proverbs 18:14 (Emphasis Mine).

“A MERRY heart doeth GOOD like a MEDICINE: but a BROKEN spirit DRIETH the bones” Proverbs 17:22.

“Therefore I tell you, STOP BEING WORRIED or ANXIOUS (perpetually uneasy, distracted) about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, as to what you will wear. Is life not more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow [seed] nor reap [the harvest] nor gather [the crops] into barns, and yet your heavenly Father keeps feeding them. Are you not worth much more than they? 27 And who of you by worrying can add one [a]hour to [the length of] his life? 28 And why are you worried about clothes? See how the lilies and wildflowers of the field grow; they do not labor nor do they spin [wool to make clothing], 29 yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory and splendor dressed himself like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive and green today and tomorrow is [cut and] thrown [as fuel] into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! 31 Therefore do not worry or be anxious (perpetually uneasy, distracted), saying, ‘What are we going to eat?’ or ‘What are we going to drink?’ or ‘What are we going to wear?’ 32 For the [pagan] Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; [but do not worry,] for your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also 34 “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” Matthew 6:25-34/Amplified.

REV. CHUKIE MORSI

THIS DECEMBER – THIS CHRISTMAS – IT’S NOT ACCIDENTAL

December 13, 2024 By Pastor Chukie Leave a Comment

THIS DECEMBER – THIS CHRISTMAS – IT’S NOT ACCIDENTAL: IT’S YOUR FULLNESS OF TIME AS GOD’S!

“But when the FULNESS of the TIME was COME, God SENT forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5 to REDEEM them that were under the law, that we might RECEIVE the ADOPTION of sons” Galatians 4:4-5.

This CHRISTMAS, in this Christmas, it’s your time of FULFILMENT, therefore, take advantage of the SEASON because of the REASON, even as it’s Scripturally written for you, of God’s WORD in Christ Jesus, concerning you. Amen. [Galatians 4:4-5]. Know for sure that the REASON for the SEASON – THIS CHRISTMAS – wasn’t ACCIDENTAL, it was God’s intent and divinely orchestrated. It thus mean, as the Christ for Christmas wasn’t accidental, He came at the FULLNESS of God’s planned time for a CAUSE. And you are in that God’s CAUSE – PLAN, PURPOSE and PURSUIT – therefore take then the advantage of the REASON for the SEASON.

It thus means also, you are PLANNED into this CHRISTMAS as in the plan of God to be BLESSED and to enjoy His BLESSEDNESS accordingly. Beloved friend, you are PLANNED to SUCCEED. You are PLANNED to be FULFILLED. You are PLANNED to enjoy the FULLNESS of God. You are PLANNED with God’s INTENDED PURPOSE and PURSUIT. You are in God’s FULLNESS of time.

This Christmas is your Christmas, for at the fullness of God’s calendar, the Christ of Christmas was born. Your time of FULLNESS in God’s BLESSEDNESS in Christ Jesus stead is come. Make this Christmas your own.

Be engrossed in this amazing love of God. Your Fulness Of Time Is Come and, it is This CHRISTMAS – Make Good With It!

BLESSED CHRISTMAS! BLESSED COMMEMORATION!! BLESSED CELEBRATION!!!

SCRIPTURAL THOUGHTS WORTH PONDERING IN CONTEXT:

“But when the FULNESS of the TIME was COME, God SENT forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5 to REDEEM them that were under the law, that we might RECEIVE the adoption of sons. 6 And because ye ARE sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, ABBA, Father. 7 Wherefore thou art NO MORE a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an HEIR of God through Christ” Galatians 4:4-7.

“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us” Matthew 1:23.

“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” Luke 2:10-14.

REV. CHUKIE MORSI

THIS DECEMBER – THIS CHRISTMAS

December 13, 2024 By Pastor Chukie Leave a Comment

THIS DECEMBER – THIS CHRISTMAS: FIND JOY AND HAPPINESS IN THE EYES OF THE CHILDREN!

“At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the GREATEST in the kingdom of heaven? 2 And Jesus called a little CHILD unto him, and set him in the midst of them, 3 and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be CONVERTED, and BECOME as LITTLE CHILDREN, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whosoever therefore shall HUMBLE himself as this LITTLE CHILD, the same is GREATEST in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoso shall RECEIVE one such LITTLE CHILD in my name RECEIVETH me” Matthew 18:1-5.

This is my CHRISTMAS – it’s found in the eyes of the CHILDREN especially in the GRANDCHILDREN – The BEAM of CHRISTMAS LOVE and STORIES – are always BORN in their hearts and smiling faces.

Are you in worries and trouble of any sorts in this Christmas, see love in face of the child and children about you. They make the fulness of the JOY and HAPPINESS about us.

This is BLESSEDNESS – when you become in heart as a little child today – in humility and grace – to approach this Christmas SEASON with the graciousnesss and gracefulness of the REASON, as found in the eyes of children.

SCRIPTURAL THOUGHTS WORTH PONDERING IN CONTEXT:

“And the angel said unto them, FEAR NOT: for, behold, I bring you GOOD TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is BORN THIS DAY in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host PRAISING God, and saying, 14 GLORY to God in the highest, and on earth PEACE, GOOD WILL toward men” Luke 2:10-14.

REV. CHUKIE MORSI

THIS CHRISTMAS – THIS DECEMBER

December 12, 2024 By Pastor Chukie Leave a Comment

THIS CHRISTMAS – THIS DECEMBER: LET JESUS THE CHRIST AND LORD – BE BORN IN YOUR HEART!

“All the ENDS of the WORLD shall remember and turn unto the Lord: and all the kindreds of the NATIONS shall WORSHIP before thee. 28 For the KINGDOM is the Lord’s: and HE is the GOVERNOR among the NATIONS. 29 All they that be fat upon EARTH shall eat and WORSHIP: all they that go DOWN to the DUST shall BOW before him: and none can keep ALIVE his own soul.” Psalms 22:27-29.

When I go to bed almost in every evening night falls and say my benediction in committing and rededicating my being and well-being into the hands of my uncreated creator Father God, I feel so assured and insured that whatever happened in the midst of my sleep, that He who holds the world and my being in the hollow of His hands will make it all good. [Revelation 4:11; Isaiah 45:11-12; Isaiah 49:16].

And it’s with the same attitude of gratitude, that I take on to live purposefully and meaningfully to fulfill His pleasure, glory and majesty; for when I wake up in the morning to behold the brand new dawn day given to me, to explore by my same unchanging changer God without struggle, fear and worries in the midst of a turbulent and unpredictable world, it’s all for the decision I made years ago. Hence, there’s the daily hope of living in grace and BLESSEDNESS in stress-less and sweat-less sphere in spite of the enormous daily task worth not mentioning here.

So, ALL these sleeping and waking up as described above, are ONLY possible because I have resolved the most important factor given freely to all mankind by the creator Himself [Psalms 24:1; Revelation 4:11]. This I did over four decades ago, to make JESUS, the CHRIST to be both my Saviour and Lord in every facet of my being for the good and goodness of my well-being. Let Jesus the Saviour and Lord, be born in your hearts of being today.

“For unto you is BORN this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is CHRIST THE LORD” Luke 2:11.

So today, this day, in this December of the commemoration and celebration of Christmas, in honour of the birth of Jesus the Christ and Lord, I plead with you to make Him Jesus the Christ, your personal SAVIOUR and LORD in all that pertains to doing life and living godly. Then you can actualised God’s meaningful purpose and fulfilment without prejudice.

SELAH – PAUSE AND THINK.

SCRIPTURAL THOUGHTS WORTH PONDERING IN CONTEXT:

“All the ENDS of the WORLD shall remember and turn unto the Lord: and all the kindreds of the NATIONS shall WORSHIP before thee. 28 For the KINGDOM is the Lord’s: and HE is the GOVERNOR among the NATIONS. 29 All they that be fat upon EARTH shall eat and WORSHIP: all they that go down to the dust shall BOW before him: and none can keep ALIVE his own soul.” Psalms 22:27-29.

“Pilate therefore said unto him, ART THOU A KING THEN? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. TO THIS END WAS I BORN, AND FOR THIS CAUSE CAME I INTO THE WORLD, that I should bear WITNESS unto THE TRUTH. Every one that is of THE TRUTH heareth my voice” John 18:37.

“For unto us a CHILD is BORN, unto us a SON is GIVEN: and the GOVERNMENT shall be upon his shoulder: and his NAME shall be CALLED Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The ZEAL of the Lord of hosts will PERFORM this” Isaiah 9:6-7.

“For unto you is BORN this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is CHRIST THE LORD” Luke 2:11.

“Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was JESUS THE CHRIST” Matthew 16:20.

REV. CHUKIE MORSI

THIS CHRISTMAS – IN SHARING GIFT

December 12, 2024 By Pastor Chukie Leave a Comment

THIS CHRISTMAS – IN SHARING GIFT: SHARE IN ALL – IN LOVE!

This CHRISTMAS, in all your SHARING, SHARE in LOVE. The best, ultimate of all gifts is SALVATION to friends, family and loved ones. Every gift may fade away with time and circumstances, but SALVATION of a loved one can never fade away – for love doesn’t fade or fail. [1 Corinthians 13].

The GRACE that brings Salvation to all men, is bonded in the Christmas LOVE. Extend such love to friends and loved ones in your Christmas gift sharing. Share freely without being pressurised and mostly as may be led by the Holy Spirit of love.

Let the spirit act to share IN LOVE be supreme to the sharing by the cost of the gift. Value gift not just by the cost only, but by the spirit of love in the gift. Remember the widow’s mite. It may be the more honourable thing for the Lord to unveil you, His blessings.

In this year CHRISTMAS, make your Christmas a delight and not a burden – by Sharing LOVE . . . Sharing FAITH . . . Sharing HOPE . . . Sharing GIFT and Sharing GOODWILL to OTHERS beyond you in LOVE!

Know that – SELFISHNESS makes Christmas a BURDEN but LOVE makes Christmas an INDESCRIBABLE celebration and commemoration of PEACE, HOPE, FAITH, JOY and GOODWILL.

I pray you with God’s grace and blessings.

SELAH – PAUSE AND THINK.

“And now abide FAITH, HOPE, LOVE, these three; but the GREATEST of these is Love” 1 Corinthians 13:13.

“We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, 3 remembering without ceasing your WORK OF FAITH, LABOR OF LOVE, and PATIENCE OF HOPE in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, 4 knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God” 1 Thessalonians 1:2-4.

“Let LOVE be without HYPOCRISY. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be KINDLY affectionate to one another with BROTHERLY LOVE, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, GIVEN TO HOSPITALITY” Romans 12:9-13.

REV. CHUKIE MORSI

THIS DECEMBER . . . THIS CHRISTMAS AND THE CHURCH SERVICES

December 12, 2024 By Pastor Chukie Leave a Comment

THIS DECEMBER . . . THIS CHRISTMAS AND THE CHURCH SERVICES: ENDEAVOUR TO FIND ONE NEAR YOU AND ATTEND!

What is CHRISTMAS?

This is the yearly commemoration and Celebration of God’s LOVE to mankind in the BIRTH of our – Lord and Saviour Christ Jesus – and His REDEMPTION CAUSE on earth for all mankind.

What is the CHURCH?

This is the voluntary gathering of people to FELLOWSHIP to enhance their common RELATIONSHIP in Christ Jesus with each other – and to WORSHIP and SERVE God WORTHILY and ACCEPTABLY – under a designated Shepherd – Pastor.

The service in the Church gathering highlights the CHRISTMAS:

In the MORNING service or at START of service – it is called the GATHERING or COMING TOGETHER – otherwise THE MASS Service – the Celebration and Commemoration.

“And let us CONSIDER one another to PROVOKE unto LOVE and to GOOD WORKS: 25 not FORSAKING the ASSEMBLING of ourselves together, as the MANNER of some is; but EXHORTING one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” Hebrews 10:25.

And in the EVENING gathering or at CLOSING of service it is called BENEDICTION – a time of PROFESSING, DECLARATION, PROCLAMATION and ANNOUNCING to the FAITH in Christ Jesus stead – which is the act of PRAYER in endorsing and invoking the divine Trinity. And that is ascribed in this scriptural context and injunctions in terms:

“THE GRACE of the Lord Jesus Christ, and THE LOVE of God, and THE COMMUNION of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen” 2 Corinthians 13:14.

It’s good to know in the scriptural context and injunctions in terms are of the 2 Corinthians 13:14, what it thus signifies:

* The GRACE – which is, the ACTS of Christ.

* The LOVE – which is The ACTS of the Father God; and

* The COMMUNION (Fellowship) – which is The ACTS of the Holy Spirit.

These BENEDICTION ACTS are often said after this manner occasionally at most Churches gatherings as a declaration, affirmation, and announcement:

“May the GRACE of our Lord Jesus Christ, the LOVE of Father God and the COMMUNION of the Holy Spirit be with you” and I add this phrase to it – and those you care about – even as in this Christmas. An Amen.

I therefore employ you to endeavour to attend to the CHURCH GATHERING services near you if there’s an opening of their door of services on Christmas day. Absenteeism is not an option when you know full well that:

“SELFISHNESS makes CHRISTMAS a burden while LOVE makes CHRISTMAS an INDESCRIBABLE celebration and commemoration of PEACE, HOPE, FAITH, JOY and GOODWILL to all mankind” Amen.

Blessed regards in God’s grace and BLESSEDNESS in Christ Jesus stead. Amen.

SCRIPTURAL THOUGHTS WORTH PONDERING IN CONTEXT:

“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen” 2 Corinthians 13:14.

REV. CHUKIE MORSI

OCCUPY TILL I COME – IN GOD’S LOVE

December 10, 2024 By Pastor Chukie Leave a Comment

OCCUPY TILL I COME – IN GOD’S LOVE: GOD’S LOVE ENHANCES EARTHLY USEFULNESS AND HEAVENLY MINDEDNESS IN CHRIST JESUS!

“And HOPE maketh not ASHAMED; because THE LOVE of God is SHED (LAVISHED) abroad in our HEARTS (SPIRIT-BEING) by the Holy Ghost which is GIVEN unto us . . . 8 But God COMMENDETH his LOVE toward us, in that, while we were YET SINNERS, Christ DIED for us” Romans 5:5, 8.

Talking about LOVE – I mean the LOVE of God in Christ Jesus, that transcends and surpasses the human sense [see, hear, smell, taste, touch/feel] knowledge of love. Herein, I will be laying out a didactic sense of measure of God’s love in Christ Jesus, such that we don’t just say we HAVE LOVE, but we can boldly say, we DO LIVE and WALK in God’s LOVE unreservedly, knowing that LOVE in essence is purely and firstly of God, for God is love [1 John 4:8, 16]; and God’s LOVE, is the lubricant for our life in Christ Jesus and for all mankind. And when an individual come to KNOW THIS LOVE OF GOD that surpasses and transcends our sense knowledge of love, we can then OCCUPY effectively and efficiently in Christ Jesus until He comes, by “BEING EARTHLY USEFUL while HEAVENLY MINDED” in humanity.

“That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being ROOTED and GROUNDED IN LOVE, 18 may be able to COMPREHEND with all saints what is the BREADTH, and LENGTH, and DEPTH, and HEIGHT; 19 and to KNOW THE LOVE OF christ, which PASSETH (TRANSCENDED, SURPASSED) KNOWLEDGE (SENSE KNOWLEDGE – SEE, HEAR, TASTE, SMELL, TOUCH/FEEL), that ye might be FILLED with all the FULNESS of God” Ephesians 3:17-19/Emphasis Mine.

Love is an ATTITUDE, a deliberate choice, an exercise of the will, a choice of life and is not just a feeling, it is an expression of the nature of God. It is spiritual, divinely inspired and imbedded in the very hearts of all God’s human creation, and more importantly in the very nature of the redeemed child of God. Hence, it’s not a doctrine, creed and dogmas. It outlived generation because it’s timeless and of God’s. For God is love as written:

“Beloved, let us LOVE one another: for LOVE is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; FOR GOD IS LOVE. 9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins . . . 16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. GOD IS LOVE; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: BECAUSE AS HE IS, SO ARE WE IN THIS WORLD. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love” 1 John 4:7–10, 16-18.

Love is a FRUIT and not a GIFT. FRUITS are GROWN while GIFTS are IMPARTED. Genuine Bible love – Agape – is born and is a product of the Holy Spirit that indwells in us – (Romans 5:5, 8; Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 5:9).

Let’s consider love in diversity for a clearer understanding of the kind of love being implied in this context.

DEFINING THE THREE KINDS OF LOVE:

1. PHILEO: Grk (of the soul) – Love relationship in family – between parent and child. The Family kind of love. It also embodied love relationship towards friends and colleagues. It means to be fond of; it is based on FEELINGS and not on PRINCIPLE. It’s never used of man’s love to or for God. This is human or natural kind of love. (Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Genesis 8:19; Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21). This kind of love is however essential and crucial for a family bonding and wellbeing.

2. EROS: Grk (of the Physical body) – Sexual love; purely reserved for the married – within the bond of marriage. It’s based on PHYSICAL ATTRACTION. It’s neither for fornication nor adultery. Lust and immoral desires have gotten some into it, hence there’s a great act of PERVERSION in our societies today – and we are paying hugely for the consequences across the board. (Hebrews 13:4; 1 Corinthians 7:1-9; 1 Corinthians 6:15-20).

3. AGAPE: Grk (of the spirit) – God kind of love; unconditional, limitless, divine, spiritual. It transcends race, gender, generation, culture, family, physical, personal (self) etc. 1 Corinthians 13. It’s built on PRINCIPLE. Agape love even helps to ensure, STRENGTHEN and MAINTAIN the Phileo and Eros kind of love in all life endeavours. Agape love is based on PRINCIPLE – be it towards things or people.

Notably, the PHILEO OR EROS kinds of Love need to be controlled by AGAPE kind of love or else it will hinder our fellowship with God and leads to SIN acts. (E.g. EROS – 1 Corinthians 13:5; PHILEO – 1 Samuel 2:22-36).

Let’s not just say we have love, lets LIVE and WALK IN LOVE, for love is of the Spirit – Romans 5:5.

IT’S BY TIME TO LIVE AND WALK IN LOVE. LETS MAKE IT HAPPEN. FOR THE CHARGE – OCCUPY TILL I COME – IN LOVE ENHANCES EARTHLY USEFULNESS AND HEAVENLY MINDEDNESS.

SELAH – PAUSE AND THINK.

SCRIPTURAL THOUGHTS WORTH PONDERING IN CONTEXT:

“If we LIVE in the Spirit, let us also WALK in the Spirit” Galatians 5:25.

“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 2 and WALK IN LOVE, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour” Ephesians 5:1-2.

“For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but FAITH WHICH WORKETH BY LOVE . . . 13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but BY LOVE SERVE one another. 14 For all the LAW IS FULFILLED IN ONE WORD, even in this; Thou shalt LOVE thy neighbour as thyself . . . 22 But the FRUIT of the Spirit is LOVE, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” Galatians 5:6, 13-14, 22-23.

“For the FRUIT of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth” Ephesians 5:9/NKJV.

“Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having LOVED his own which were in the world, he LOVED them unto the end . . . 34 A NEW COMMANDMENT I give unto you, That ye LOVE one another; as I have LOVED you, that ye also LOVE one another. 35 By this shall ALL MEN KNOW THAT YE ARE MY DISCIPLES, if ye have LOVE one to another” John 13:1 34-35.

“And from Jesus Christ, who is the FAITHFUL WITNESS, and the FIRST BEGOTTEN of the dead, and THE PRINCE of the kings of the earth. Unto him that LOVED us, and WASHED us from our sins in his own blood, 6 and hath MADE us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen” Revelation 1:5-6.

“As the Father hath LOVED me, so have I LOVED you: CONTINUE YE IN MY LOVE. 10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall ABIDE IN MY LOVE; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and ABIDE IN HIS LOVE. 11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. 12 This is my commandment, That ye LOVE one another, as I have LOVED you. 13 Greater LOVE hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you” John 15:9-14.

“For God so LOVED the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” John 3:16-18.

REV. CHUKIE MORSI