Love and Truth

This attached quote/pic seems very much to speak to a core concern regarding so many things. It def was the point of contention which used to absolutely enrage me in consideration of what I perceived to be Christianity, at least.

In order to legitimately continue to follow Jesus Christ as a disciple, there's implicit requirement that utmost credence be give to the singular matter He said was absolutely vital to rightly-doing all things else: The Greatest Commandments are about love, thus deeming love the focal point for utmost ardent study and prayerful pursuit.

Makes sense to me, anyway. I've prayed about it. And read. A lot. Because my life has definitely been--and still is--riddled by a host of unloving things done against God, against others, and also against myself. So, for love to be the greatest call, the highest calling, THE commandment of commandments--it has to be taken seriously and seriously endeavored, especially having so consistently failed. Only and explicitly by the grace of God, even now, is love being learned and embodied, to any and increasing extent.

So, this past year, I've really been striving to know what love actually is--because if I'm somehow going to manifest something, it seems reasonable that I probably need to have some basic idea what it actually is, even as to recognize it...at the very least. This, in the recent past, has progressively evolved into what is now a study of what it means to embody a love which is neither self-seeking nor even self-concerned (nor self-demeaning/self-deprecating, though, to note: an entire other consideration which would take many words, also).

This is legit, though: The pursuit of actual, God-seeking and people-serving love is intense. A big thing. The biggest. The following bit of writing is brief reflection which touches on various points of consideration along this recent way, while some of the most immediately following bits are almost excerpted straight from Scripture. Which--another thing that's proven rather frustrating (exciting) to find over course of this pursuit, as a whole, is that reading through excerpts or passages or even the whole doesn't ever provoke total comprehensive grasp of the breadth of intent and meaning. This, especially as each bit of writing is always both distinctly and also contextually meaningful--within immediate context plus also within the entirety.

Thus, absolutely every topic requires a lot of focused study, ongoing meditation even upon related concepts, and pursuit unto both immediate and contextual understanding--explicit, implicit, and conceptual. So, each unto the next, as any meaning is further grasped it allows for a broader contemplation of other matters which are yet tangentially related across the span of the all--each revelation is ever unto further revelation and broader understanding of both parts and the whole.

It took four years to get to a point where anything whatsoever even started to make any sort of comprehensible, actual sense--of any of Scripture. And even now--an additional two years in--certain topics are only beginning to make sense, even as oft in such a way as only clearly indicates depths of meaning which are yet further beyond immediate grasp, regarding related topics: Studying, while ever being directed unto what to study.

Just to say: All of this...is very time consuming, but whatever. It's fascinating. And if the last year's worth of effort in this direction is any indication, I'll probably be studying and learning love and what it means to love...at least for the rest of my life, without ever beginning to actually exhaust that particular thread.

Love, though...
Love is not fearful, anxious, nor arrogant, but is trusting, patient, hope-filled, and steadfast. Love serves others rather than seeking to serve itself. Love doesn't mock differences, even as steadfastly refraining from being compromised. Love admits wrongs, seeks peace, desires to walk in compassion--all without forsaking or compromising truth. Love might not agree nor condone, but it's not easily angered and it is enduringly kind. Love speaks truth as best can ever be done, always for the sake of loving God and others more than self.

Many things to learn, to become. But by grace: Vital necessities. So, the Lord's helping me figure it all out, step by step--despite chaos attempting to interfere or dissuade, fair constantly. Eh. smile emoticon

Love is the greatest commandment, is all: 1) Love God absolutely, 2) Love others selflessly. Everything else which is righteous and good proceeds out of the state of being required as to attain unto and embody each of these to any true and increasing degree. Such love intrinsically requires essential self-denial so to embody the implicit selflessness foundational unto development of each: Love entails an active pursuit of the good of another, which inherently requires concertedly turning away from expending resources (of emotional, mental, physical, financial means or whatever else) unto self. Basic economics: limited resources exist, if you use them on one thing, you no longer have them to use on something else. Love is as that, in a way: Acting to pursue God and to pursue the good of someone other than self turns that same energy and ardency away from what would any-otherwise be pursuit of in-anywise-exclusive-of-God-and-others self-interest. Love isn't self-seeking, so anything which purports to be "love" which is inherently concerned with self-gratification, self-interest, or self-indulgence...isn't love of God or of others, but is selfishness. There are only the two--selfish or selfless. ("To be or not to be?," in a sense, yah.)

Thereabouts seems to lie the heart of the paradox of our condition--an enigma of subjectively seeking transcendence unto objectivity, as unto realm of an absolute, so as to actually love. And there is a Way, but it's difficult to discern: Self-consumption and the cares of the world make it nearly impossible, is all, except for grace: Deliverance from self is required.

One major distraction along that course is that there are so many purported means unto and as to love which don't espouse inherent, explicit requirement of self-denial as part of loving. But, again, any purported love which turns to seek its own comforts and security rather than 1)pursuing God's will as 2)unto the good of others...actively asserts self to an actual exclusion of truly loving either God or others. Self-exaltation is not loving, for actively exalting self at the expense of otherwise endeavoring to love God, which would overflow unto actual love of others. (Any love which neglects truth isn't love but indulgence: Love seeks true, actual good of a beloved. The source of any actual truth must ultimately be an absolute. A Creator of all which exists must ultimately be the absolute fount of any truth which is actual. Where there is purported truth, if it has deviated from the absolute trith sufficient to anywise contradict the absolute, it has erred and is no longer actual. Discovery of the absolute is necessary as to discern actuality of purported derivatives. Likewise, in order to pursue any actual good, there's requirement of knowing actual truth regarding what's being endeavored. The only way to know is to work from the absolute--without the existence of absolutes, nothing could be established as true. And if nothing could be established as true, then something must be true, as "nothing is true," must be either true or false--either of which constitutes an absolute, indicating the existence of absolute truth. So, if anything at all is a truth, then there's an absolute from which it has derived. .. Absolutes establish whether a purported truth is actually true, of whether purported good is actual good, of whether love is actual love. Now, as goes actual acceptance of truth, even proven true?...that's an entirely different beast: something about free will.)

So-called self-love, though--concerted self-indulgence--isn't actually love. It's empty exaltation, actively distracting from a pursuit of truth, as at the simultaneous expense of loving God, which likewise constitutes having actively chosen to neglect the actual good of all. Which isn't loving. Love seeks to do good, never to even unintentionally harm or encourage harm of others. Nor perhaps even to silently observe such harm.

It's painful...difficult...to look in the mirror and see these things are the case: Difficult, to see that a constant desire for comfort and self-preservation and good reputation mitigates and diminishes and actually degrades and compromises my pursuit of and action according to truth, thus even besmirching the love of God and likewise also compromising my love for others. It's very hard to acknowledge and accept that consistent self-seeking and self-indulgence doesn't do me nor anyone else any favors, but only builds and reinforces walls that have long trapped me in a prison of my own making, even blocking God's love and love from others from unmitigatedly entering in.

Touching base with others along the way in guarded fashion never comprehensively worked a restorative good, on the whole: Such guarded love often did sincerely and blessedly preserve from utter despair, but yet had no power to fully deliver from desolation...and while it oft blessedly and sincerely afforded glorious moments of sanctuary in the midst of both friends and family, it never provided peace which lastingly permeated the core of isolation.

Momentary flashes of light do graciously brighten a room, as moments of camaraderie do truly warm unto compassion--even engendering actual, selfless love whenever self is completely forgotten in the midst of a truly open interaction. But as soon as self-regard returns in any way, the curtain falls and the light fades. And, then, there had always been a matter of remaining so far removed from God (largely per a semi-conscious refusal to even attempt to approach Him on His own terms, having ever been hurt by the church--become indignantly insistent upon charting my own path to His truths) that such similar-effect blockades against Him kept His love and peace away, nearly always.

Now, the cares of the world still often obscure awareness of Him-- whenever any-present concern for self emerges, it diminishes the embracing warmth of His love unto me (incomprehensibly, loving Him any-truly and ardently is to be likewise encompassed by the warmth of His love).

To love self or seek to exalt self--rather than graciously receiving whatever comes, while seeking to love, selflessly--occludes the possibility of love, like a curtain fallen against the morning light.

A vicious cycle. Needing deliverance.

Actual need is for kindling a constant, blazing fire in the hearth, though. We, none, have the proper tinder, but have to seek for it. Asking without ceasing, moreover.

I never even realized all this was so dire a problem--and has been, over all the many years of my life--until now and recently. I'm just going to continue praying for further deliverance, is all. The Lord has proven faithful to do these things, again and again: He's done so much already. Through death, hell, and the fire...preserved and delivered.

Just to love.

If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don’t love, I’m nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate.

 If I speak God’s Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, “Jump,” and it jumps, but I don’t love, I’m nothing.

 If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love.

Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.
Love doesn’t strut,
Doesn’t have a swelled head,
Doesn’t force itself on others,
Isn’t always “me first,”
Doesn’t fly off the handle,
Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn’t revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.

 Love never dies.

1 Corinthians 13:1-8

(crossposted)

Of Bondage: Knowledge Lacking Love

Again: seek the source. There's far, far too much distraction and confusion abounding at this point for anything less to ultimately suffice unto deliverance, salvation.

Consider: What do we truly serve, most often, when seeking to order our understanding according to particular precepts given as traditional practice? Right theology, right doctrine, right doxology?

But do we more often serve God or ourselves, by accumulating what knowledge we consider appropriate to these ends?

This is a matter which must be brought before Him, continually and individually, as much as all matters ought--especially, though, given that knowledge without love leads to arrogance (1 Corinthians 8:1-3). Knowledge which isn't securely seated in love increases pride. Pride is opposition to God, whatever form it takes, as it effectively directs worship due Him in alternate directions.

These are hard-bought lessons for anyone who understands them, given the humiliation necessary to be able to speak without being prideful, necessarily keeping head bowed and eyes focused upon the Lord for direction of heart, though, speech, and act. As is right.

Increasingly pursued.

There's a vast trap set for so many, along the lines of prideful knowledge, in terms of modern cultural climate and what it hails as most necessary and the best good for all. This, especially as some particular tenets set forth by the world have their origin in godly pursuits, thus even seeming superficially beneficial, in instance.

Such as instance of esteeming the pursuit of knowledge (ostensibly, unto betterment of self and others).

Even given a superficial consideration, this seems very good. There are many Scriptures which...if taken individually, considered out of context of the entirety of Scripture...make it seem as though this is actually a godly pursuit, in itself without need for further context or consideration. As though any ardent pursuit of knowledge is automatically aligned with God's will.

But we must never forget that the heart of every matter is what decides nature and effects. If the greatest of all commandments are to love God and love others, then what deviates from those points has already gone off course. To love Him is to desire, wholeheartedly, to obey Him. To love others is to desire, even at expense of self or temporary discomfort unto actual betterment, to see others helped. As part of this, it's good to reflect upon what love--true, pure, godly love actually looks like. For instance, love doesn't blindly accept, encourage, or promote the destruction of beloved others--even if it's what they would choose, then love would still entreat them not to self-harm. Neither does love belittle, disparage, or mock the beloved for perceived or actual error, but rather love grieves what harms those who are beloved--yearning to do whatsoever love of God and of others would permit, unto reconciliation and wellness, rather than sitting aloft in even right judgment unto condemnation or any sense of justification of self.

Love does not exalt itself above others. It does not seek to divide, but accepts separation that comes by course of love with sorrow. Love doesn't boast of superiority. It doesn't esteem itself superior, but as servant of all.

So, attainment of knowledge cannot be an act unto itself, unless it simultaneously increase love of God which will always increase love of others, or otherwise getting knowledge yields to further indulgence in and edification of pride. Increased knowledge, according to its nature, expands individual perspective/awareness--this will either exalt or humble self, depending entirely upon the spiritual context in and of and unto which learning takes place.

This is vital.

Especially given that further context in Scripture (which could deviantly be used to promote knowledge as rightful pursuit, unto itself, if taken out of context of the whole of Scripture)...

...shows that without knowledge, we actively forsake freedom and actually contribute to bringing about our own captivity (to wrong ideas, wrong beliefs, and whatsoever else...though instances have also been as unto foreign cultures, when the former of these have been fulfilled unto manifestation of this such reality in physical circumstance).

We are actually destroyed because of our lack of knowledge.

Yet, as with all things, the world's proliferate emphasis upon the high value of knowledge and understanding...still requires discernment in approach:

There's a fundamental truth to utmost necessity of such pursuits as knowledge; however,  there's also simultaneous, abject need for proper context of development for each and all such pursuits. This, just in order not to have such pursuits become stumbling blocks...as to pursue them in a way which actually honors God, rather than esteeming self. A minute, but absolutely vital distinction which requires God-given discernment.

That's the way things are on all fronts, moreover. All things which, in themselves, seem to superficially present an appearance of goodwill and righteousness...if lacking a vital core alignment with God's actual nature and will...actually amount to destruction.

As another brief consideration along these same lines (albeit, conversely expressed), regarding the necessity of actual alignment with God's will and nature...in terms of variations in express embodiment of such an alignment:

Consider part of Jesus' eulogy for His cousin John, recorded by Luke and Matthew:

John lived a fasted live, in terms of diet and society, and he never consumed "fruit of the vine" (no grape juice, period)...all to the glory of God, as called to prepare the way for Christ.

Alternately, Jesus ate and socialized comparatively liberally, even as still always to the glory of the Father as expressly in accord with His will. (I'm not convinced, personally, that any wine Jesus consumed or created was alcoholic (i.e., anything other than new wine/unfermented): the Old Testament largely decries consumption of intoxicating beverages; plus, in this instance He was specifically quoting rumors, so not expressly describing His actual mode of interaction in that He was reciting slander). Point being, though--Jesus didn't shun the company of people who requested His presence--not sinners nor the self-righteous. He openly engage with others regardless of their way of life, yet without ever compromising His message (we have many examples recorded as proof of this).

But those who were the religious elite of the day said John was possessed of a demon--because of the way he lived--and that Jesus was a glutton and drunkard, a friend of sinners, and eventually also called Him demon possessed--because of the way He lived.

Outward manifestations of obedience to God the Father differed vastly between these two, yet Jesus said wisdom was vindicated in all who heeded her. (As a side-note: Where did they each get their direction?...because I'm pretty sure (like, 100% confidence) none of us are capable of doing a better job of conforming to God's will and character than Christ--God Incarnate. He knew Scripture inside and out, He composed it. And He was led/directed/inspired/empowered by the Spirit of God, which is His Spirit, always...so...should we be any less dependent on His Spirit?)

Same difference here, is the point. You could undertake pursuit of something which might seem good, conforming externally to what the world and the church both (or either one) say is a right and godly and worthwhile course...while actually creating a shipwreck of your faith, in the process. Just as, alternately, two different people may have two seemingly contradictory manners of serving the Lord which externally lack apparent similarity, seeming even discordant....while, actually, both are serving the Father with utmost reverence and devotion (consider that the One who was accused of excess and of lawlessness was the only One who has never sinned: how great an indication of the utmost necessity of seeking to be conformed to God's individual will for us each?).

He has to deliver us even from ourselves, in terms of discerning and obeying the will of God, though.

Otherwise, our hearts will always be divided between what seems right and what we want to do and what God's express will actually is for each of us--not to mention all the other potential side-tracks that come up, time to time.

One of the major movements these days, though, in terms of church doctrine...assiduously and in-the-name-of-good undermines the individuality of God's guidance of each those who are His--ultimately undermining the actual nature of salvation, in effect, in claiming a moratorium on so-called "extra-Biblical" revelation.

Despite that we have been told that the Holy Spirit is with us to lead, prompt, guide, and teach us (John 14:26, John 16:12-15, 1 John 2:27). And, further, He is with us even to direct our steps (Psalm 25:8, Proverbs 3:6, Proverbs 16:9, Isaiah 30:21, Isaiah 42:16, Isaiah 54:13, Jeremiah 31:34), even telling us which is the way to walk. All while going before us and keeping our rear guard--He makes our paths straight (apparent, clearly defined, certain). Also, He will give us the very words we are to speak, in instances where we are given to speak (Luke 21:14-15).

And ultimately, unless we're being led by the Holy Spirit, in terms of doctrine and action and even our reading of Scripture, we can't even recognize truth, period (John 14:16-17, 2 Peter 1:20-21). No matter what course of study we sign up for, no matter how many centuries of attestation to success there may be of that course, no matter what our perception otherwise might be...unless the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ directly intervenes in and unto and with each and every single one of us, individually, as and in what ultimately actually equates to an "extra-Biblical revelation of Himself" unto each of us...we could recite words all day, but the "truth" of what we're saying will only ever go skin deep, if even that.

Salvation is an extra-Biblical revelation of Christ, to each and every who are saved. Otherwise, it's not salvation. Scripture speaks of this, and the words don't make the experience take place--Jesus, Himself, does. The living Spirit of God, intervening directly and personally and individually in each person's life...according to Jesus' love and mercy, the Father's good will, in that instant changing a spirit, changing a heart...

...is salvation. We don't make this happen. He does. And either He is intimately involved--you know, the whole "coming to dwell"-thing, a "guarantee"-given as a "seal?"...or we're not saved, we've not been reborn. Our only hope is to throw ourselves on His mercy, all in all.

Which is whereby this bit about "extra-Biblical revelation" being heresy is actual heresy, having created a false-dichotomy of sorts (attempts at self-preservation are wont to do such) which masquerades as helpfulness while actually attacking the very truth of the gospel:

Either He reveals Himself outside of Scripture.

Or

Salvation is no longer possible.

Period.

So what strange argument is it that Scripture is the end of God's revelations unto and to us, that we need nothing more? Which, again...precludes active work being done by and yet to be completed by God, outside the record of the book.

The claim is patently false, or otherwise there's no longer salvation and neither you nor I could exist, for not having had our names written therein.

You can't have it both ways, along that front: you can't say there's no "extra-Biblical revelation" of and by God and still claim the God whose works and words and nature are on record therein is the one you're actually serving. Otherwise, you've set up a miasma of contingencies based on extra-Biblical reasoning which ever becomes all the more convoluted as to have made and supported such a claim. And the more convoluted a thing becomes, the more rife for error.

Which, perhaps oddly enough it might seem, is also why "black and white" theology gets you nowhere: You pigeonhole God and you've effectively made an idol of something (self), because God cannot be pigeonholed. (Question Job. And His friends. God effectively told them all they were in error. For that matter, check out what Isaiah recorded, in terms of God's thoughts.)

Which, again...is why there's utmost and unarguable need to return to the source.

God.

Go to God.
Ask Him.

Talk to Him.
He's the only one who actually understands Himself.
He's the one with the power.

He's the one who will pull together all the loose wires, tie up all the loose ends. Whatever they be.

He's done so much for me, even, and still...there are many things more to continue to seek Him for--there always will be more to seek Him for: He's endless.

So, whatever there is, however vast the need...He is the answer, ultimately.
Whether He calms the storm or calms you in the midst of it, still...

And, alternately, if You don't believe you have need of Him, then your need is far greater than even those who are aware their state of lack.

Our Creator cares and wants to intervene.

The world is being given over to the perverse desires of our hearts, at this point: darkness has grown thick, lack of understanding abounds, lovelessness is increasingly abounding (and false love, also, which seeks only to placate or exalt rather than actually help or deliver).
Thinking things are well in the world is either a matter of resting securely in Christ while earnestly praying for those who have yet to seek Him unto salvation...or of being so deep in delusion wrought per sin as to be insensible of the darkness. Or...maybe...maybe it's not necessary for you to be aware of it, but only of Christ. Ultimately so. Unto love.

Love will overcome. It already has.
We're just awaiting His return, whenever that day may be--yet even 2000 years ago, He admonished us to watch and pray, as we don't know when He'll return...but that we should guard against becoming slack. We're 2,000 years nearer the point of His return now than even when He spoke that dire, sincere, and heartfelt warning.

So, in the meantime, we have opportunity and duty to draw nearer to Him, to Christ. To know Him, ever more deeply, so to be increasingly conformed to His image, to be saved to His life, to do His will. Of peace. Of hope. Of love.

Or otherwise remain in darkness: we're permitted, though warned against it...again and again, as it's unto our own destruction. But we're allowed to remain in opposition to Him, in this life. Unto our own destruction, if that be the course. Despite that He made a way to be reconciled, and offers reconciliation freely to all who come to Him. He loves immensely. And the weight of His love will fall upon us all, yet burning like absolute and eternal fire upon those whose hearts are given to opposition, malice, and self-indulgence...those who, in truth, actively despise Him.

So we're all called to make peace with Him, now, while there's time. All will be seasoned with fire. As purification or condemnation.
Don't let your own heart condemn you--He's willing to birth love in hearts which only know unrest, uncertainty, fear, conflict, distraction, and all whatever other manner of animosity and distress there be.

He's willing to take a heart which has grown hard against actual, pure love, and bring it to life.

He died for this. And lives for it, now.

So, ask and continue to ask...until your desire for change becomes true. And even then, keep asking--from image to image, transformed.

Never stop asking until You fully know the Truth...until You fully know Christ, Himself (an eternal quest!).
The Truth will set you free.

No one else can.

Return to Love

These themes, lately:

Abide in Christ.
Abide in His love.
Love.

And others, but for the past many months...even in terms of merciful judgment to come...love has been the focus.

I've been reminded again, lately, at the vast disparity between Christ's love and what the world conceives of as being love.

The world's version of love is alway self-gratifying, in some way. Even if only as a matter of seeking to avoid emotional pain. ...even a mother's love has become entirely contorted, outside of Christ, to such extent that mothers even kill their children. Whereas others leech, emotionally. And still others count accomplishment as a marker for emotion.

Witnessed, only partially experienced (as on the receiving end), but not otherwise known.

And yet, a father's love is supposed to be as strong. Or, if it really is to be an epitomization of Christ's love, the Father's love, then...hadn't it ought be more fierce and unwavering? Or is a mother's love just a well an epitomization of God's love?

There's much talk, these past couple of weeks (months?) about the family as a representation of relationship with God. On the whole.

So, how contorted are things, then?

Never a Stranger

Today has been such a blessing. Every day is, rightly viewed....regardless whether rightly viewed, really--still, the fact is as it stands.

I was able to meet and enjoy the company of two folks passing through the area, earlier. Reminded so much of myself, so much of others whom I've known and cherished over the years. And they told me bits and pieces of their story. And I told them the most recent portion of mine (plus relevant preceding details necessary for decent context), in terms of how completely Christ has changed my life...and of the magnitude of the revelation of His ever-present reality and being.

Changed. Totally altered.

After the conversation, I prayed as to whether it would be okay and right to return to Facebook. I've been increasingly drawn there again for the past...couple weeks, perhaps? Out of nowhere. Just drawn to it. But wanted to make sure that path is according to His will, not mine, nor that of anything which might be seeking to play interference.

Meeting them today, though, and requested of Facebook...after prayer, it seemed right and good to go and ensure I was made available for finding according to email. Part of which process this time entailed going through overdue correspondence which has lain in wait for six months...or, most of it, at least. And writing. And conversing at least passingly with a couple of folks cherished.
One of whom there was time given to extended conversation, blessedly.

Myself as awkward as ever. But I'm trusting the Lord to work out the details.

For now, though. Sleep. And prayers. And gratitude.

To the One above all others:

He is so good. So faithful.

Periodically, thought returns to His gentle leading--so tender, even in the midst of dire confusions. And perhaps He smiles softly while so patiently guiding back unto and further along His Way: Bringing back to Himself, is all. Ever as to see Him more clearly, experience His love more dearly. Bask in the radiance of His munificence and grace, even ever more humbly bound by the precious weight of His majesty.

There is something so vastly humbling about His love and the tenderness with which He guides and directs. Even or perhaps especially given how absolutely atrocious it is that we should ever look away from His wondrous mercy--distracted by the tarnished, false hopes the world proffers. Then, yet He perhaps sorrowfully sighs, before reaching again and again for our hand--mayhap even gently resting His own upon our shoulder. Nearly undetectable, except for the burning of one's heart, in so experiencing His glorious attention.