Unspoken

 “God hears what is not spoken and understands what is not explained. For His love doesn’t work in the lips or in the mind, but in the heart.” (Walex Marceva) 

1 John 3: 11, 13-24, The Voice

¹¹ The central truth—the one you have heard since the beginning of your faith—is that we must love one another.  ¹³ Brothers and sisters don’t be shocked if the corrupt world despises you. ¹⁴ We know that we have crossed over from death to real life because we are devoted to true love for our brothers and sisters; anyone who does not love lives among corpses.

¹⁵ Everyone who hates other members of God’s family is a murderer. Does a murderer possess the beautiful life that never ends? No. ¹⁶ We know what true love looks like because of Jesus. He gave His life for us, and He calls us to give our lives for our brothers and sisters. ¹⁷ If a person owns the kinds of things we need to make it in the world but refuses to share with those in need, is it even possible that God’s love lives in him? ¹⁸ My little children don’t just talk about love as an idea or a theory. Make it your true way of life, and live in the pattern of gracious love.

^19-20 There is a sure way for us to know that we belong to the truth. Even though our inner thoughts may condemn us with storms of guilt and constant reminders of our failures, we can know in our hearts that in His presence God Himself is greater than any accusation. He knows all things. ²¹ My loved ones, if our hearts cannot condemn us, then we can stand with confidence before God. ²² Whatever we may ask, we receive it from Him because we follow His commands and take the path that pleases Him. ²³ His command is clear: believe in the name of His Son, Jesus the Anointed, and love one another as He commanded. ²⁴ The one who follows His teaching and walks this path lives in an intimate relationship with God. How do we know that He lives in us? [It is] by the gift of His Spirit.

Our spiritual pulse is determined by our love for each other. (See 1 John 3:14 above) There are three levels of love by which you can determine the existence of your spiritual life:

1.     Absent love (See 1 John 3:11, 13, 15 above)-

This first (or base) level of love is where Satan exists in the realm of indifference (where there is a lack of love or hate).

To answer this question, Jesus said, “A man was going down the road from Jerusalem to Jericho. Some robbers surrounded him, tore off his clothes, and beat him. (Luke 10:30, Easy-to-Read Version)

The Good Samaritan Law protects civilians who help people they believe to be injured or in danger. The Good Samaritan Law provides people with the freedom to act without having to fear the other person might sue them. The purpose of the Good Samaritan Law is to encourage ordinary people to help someone in distress before the police are able to arrive. 

2.    Apathetic love (See 1 John 3:17 above)-

This second level of love is indifferent and selfish. It does not reach out to satisfy a need when it is identified.

³¹ “It happened that a Jewish priest was going down that road. When he saw the man, he did not stop to help him. He walked away. ³² Next, a Levite came near. He saw the hurt man, but he went around him. He would not stop to help him either. He just walked away. (Luke 10:31-32, Easy-to-Read Version)

 3.     Active love (See 1 John 3:18 above)-

This third level of love is demonstrated by our actions (and not just our words). In God’s service, love is a verb (and not a noun). Givers are spiritually alive to minister because there are always opportunities to help.

³³ “Then a Samaritan man traveled down that road,  he came to the place where the hurt man was lying. He saw the man and felt very sorry for him. ³⁴ The Samaritan went to him and poured olive oil and wine^[a] on his wounds. Then he covered the man’s wounds with cloth. The Samaritan had a donkey. He put the hurt man on his donkey, and he took him to an inn. There he cared for him. ³⁵ The next day, the Samaritan took out two silver coins and gave them to the man who worked at the inn. He said, ‘Take care of this hurt man. If you spend more money on him, I will pay it back to you when I come again.’” (Luke 10:33-35, Easy-to-Read Version)

Those show active love experience:

A.   The assurance of pardon (See 1 John 3:19-20 above)

There is internal peace when you live your life in an active love status. (It is not a vague emotion, but a constant feeling.)

B.   The answered prayers (See 1 John 3:21-22 above)

Living in active love gives you the ability to have a bold prayer life. (In the center of God’s will, you will know what to ask your heavenly Father for.)

C.   The abiding presence of God (See 1 John 3:23-24 above)

You are used by God (and feel closer to Him) as you serve others for Him (as His hands and feet). Since Jesus gave His life for us on the cross, you should sacrifice yourself for others.[i]

---

[i] Source used: “Good Samaritan Law” by Legal Dictionary

Inspired by the sermon “Love Revealed: Revealed” (installment six) Sunday July 25, 2021, Pastor Dave Jansen (CPG).  In-person services are available at all four U.S. CenterPoint campuses. CenterPoint also has an online Sunday morning service (10am) that can be viewed at centerpointchurches.online.church or centerpointchurches.com/live.

Robert and Bobbi Kinker in love (kissing) on their wedding day on 11/13/93 at Fellowship Baptist Church in Columbus. OH