a word of caution

Young love blossoms into a life-long love

​GUEST WRITER

​A WORD OF CAUTION
by BRONWYN BATTY

I heard an interesting testimony from a well-known prophetic preacher, Bob Jones, of a near death experience that he had.  The only question Jesus asked him was, ‘Did you learn to love?’
 
Our society places a high value on certificates and degrees, but was it not love that took Jesus to the cross?  But to truly love others begins with our love for him.  Jesus loving gave Peter the third degree in John 21: 15 -17, when he asked him, ‘do you love me?  Then feed and shepherd my lambs and sheep.’ 

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Family Love is a great love. Generations.

​Another powerful scripture revealing this truth is in the gospel of John: ‘Beloved, let us love one another, for love springs from God: and he who loves (his fellowmen) is born of God and is coming progressively to know and understand God.’  God manifests his love to us by the sacrifice of his son. 

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Love is the crown. When we love God, we are indwelt by him who is love. We then have the power to love even the unlovely.

I saw a wonderful story on TV, of a man who is taking care of his sick wheelchair bound wife.  His love for her was very strong and intense; the love seemed to drip from him like drops of water from a water carrying sachet, trickling over her as they went out onto the streets in a specially made bicycle.  He calls her his Princess.  Her daughter made a tiara, which was placed on her helmet for the ride.  That man has learnt a lot about love. 

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The cap is as good as a helmet. He never went anywhere without it. His helmet against wind, storm, sun

​I am reminded of the helmet of Salvation which Jesus has provided for us because through Jesus going to the cross and the crown of life.  Jesus has promised to place on the heads of those who have loved him!  2 Timothy 4:8 ‘As to what  remains, there is laid up for me the victor’s crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me and recompense me on that great day – and not to me only, but to all who have loved and yearned and welcomed his return.’ 

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Empty. He no longer is able to fill his chair, hat, shoes.

I have read a sad testimony by the only son of a very rich Australian business man who has passed away.  All his life, the son had been longing for his Dad to tell him he loved him.  Well, in the final twenty four hours, the father told this son in a telephone call, that he loved him and was proud of him!
 
How much better, to learn the importance of love while we are on the GO in the land of the living, rather that when we face the red STOP sign at the exit.
 Bronwyn Battye

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