A Defining Love!

When it comes to love there may be many definitions for it. Love is a subject much talked about, but often misunderstood. Anytime love is associated with getting rather than giving, the focus is wrong. Our Lord is the greatest example of a giving love.

Writing to the church at Corinth, Paul listed many characteristics of godly love. ( 1 Corinthians 13:4-8) If even just those 16 characteristics of love were practiced by all, what a different world this would be.

I recently came across a list of descriptions of love from the point of view of children. I had seen the list before, but on reading it again there was one statement which particularly grabbed my attention. It stated, “When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You know that your name is safe in their mouth.”

Knowing your NAME IS SAFE in the mouth of another! How does it make us feel to know when others speak our name it is not being done slanderously, but rather affectionately or kindly? Do we consider this when we speak the name of others? Can others feel the love when they hear us speak their name?

One of the pictures of the Good Shepherd is that of calling His sheep by name and leading them out. ( John 10:3) The Lord knows those who are His. ( John 10:27) Do we recognize His great love for us? Do we feel our NAME IS SAFE in His mouth?

What about when we speak His Name? Is our Lord’s NAME SAFE in our mouth?

Paul encouraged and exhorted…
“But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: ‘THE LORD KNOWS THOSE WHO ARE HIS,’ and, ‘LET EVERYONE WHO NAMES THE NAME OF THE LORD DEPART FROM INIQUITY.’” ( 2 Timothy 2:19 ESV)

Some use the name of our Lord in a very flippant way. Do we use it adoringly? When others hear us say the name of Jesus, can they tell He is the love of our life? (note Matthew 10:37) As we express our love for Jesus, we should speak well of Him and live a life that in itself also speaks well of His Name and our association with it. May we constantly be aware of keeping our Lord’s NAME SAFE in our mouth.

Have a great day AFFECTIONATELY SPEAKING THE NAME OF CHRIST!
Carl

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