The Christian Lifestyle
A Biblical Perspective of Yes or No
by
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Personal Encounter
Everyone seems to have their own definition of what “love” means. To some it’s a strong feeling. To others it’s a second hand emotion. And yet to someone else, it’s the word they say before they put their hands upon someone else’s face.
I remember growing up and seeing my aunt and uncle fight. They would argue and yell profusely. The children always had to go to the next room, but we still could hear. One night their argument escalated into a full blown fight. She left the house and he soon followed chasing after her. He caught her in the middle of the street, grabbed and ripped her shirt causing her to fall and bust her knee. He then dragged her by her shirt into the house and began to slap and punch her all over. I just knew it would be the end of their relationship. “Why would anyone want to stay in that situation?” I thought. But the next day, we woke to her cooking him breakfast. Not understanding why, I asked, “Why are you still here, I thought you were going to leave him after that?” She looked me directly in my eyes and said, “We just had a misunderstanding. He loves me!”
I was only about 10 years old, but I just couldn’t understand why a man would ever put his hands on a woman whom he loved. So of course little inquisitive me asked… And her response… “It was just a mix up, He won’t do that again.” So many questions crossed my mind – How can you be so sure? What if he does? How many times will he hit you before you leave? Will you even get the opportunity to leave? How did it get this far? So on… and so on… That very day I made a vow to myself, “I don’t ever want to be in a relationship with a man who loves me that much!” Love doesn’t cause stitches. Love doesn’t embarrass you in front of others. It shouldn’t hurt to love, it should feel good. And most important of all, Love does not kill, it revives!
Many people loose sight of the true definition (some don’t even know the true definition), but the bible clearly defines exactly what love is, and if it does not line up with the definition according to the bible, it is not really love. Because God is love, I know that love will not harm me. Loves cares for me so much that Love would lay down His life so that I can live. Love would take the bruises for me so that I don’t have to be bruised. Love never fails. Love endures to the end. Now that Love, that’s the Love I want!
If someone says they love you, but their actions don’t line up, question their definition, because love doesn’t cause bruises and it definitely doesn’t kill. If their definition includes any form of abuse, leave and love from a distance, because that is not the example God has set before us.
If you find it hard to love the way God loves, pray! Ask God to teach you how to love like He does. Then expect new revelations and outlooks on the same situations!
Self-Reflection
1. How do I define love and does it agree with how God defines love?
2. Have I forgiven those who have harmed me or am I harboring the hurt inside?
3. How can I show others that I love them? What can I do for them?
4. Can I make a difference in someone’s life by showing them love? If so, How?
5. Do I love others because they love me, or do I love even if I don’t receive the same response back?
6. When I say, “I love you,” is it genuine, or do I have an ulterior motive?
7. How do other people perceive my love? Does it line up with the word of God?
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About the Book
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
(Matt. 7:13–14)
If you had one last decision in life to make, what would it be? Would it please God? Would you be proud or ashamed of your decision?
This interactive book takes a look at everyday situations from a biblical perspective. It looks at those who passed and their reward, and those who failed and their consequence. It describes the personal experiences from the author’s life followed by reflection questions to help you with deductive reasoning. It allows you to make a final decision and be held accountable for that decision.
“This book is sure to inspire anyone and everyone who reads it!”
Bishop Wayne T. Jackson, Senior Pastor Impact Ministries International, Detroit, Michigan
About the Author
During a twenty-one-day fast, the spirit of the Lord spoke to Jacqueline Hearns and told her to write a book based on her Christian education course about everyday life and the choices we must make. Jacqueline has a degree in psychology from Eastern Michigan University. She has been an active leader of Impact International Ministries in Detroit for many years, studying under the leadership of Bishop Wayne T. and Dr. Beverly Y. Jackson. She dedicates her life to helping youth understand who they are, whose they are, and how to walk in that understanding. Jacqueline is a devoted wife and mother of three children.