No matter our season, God’s love for us is present. It’s witnessed and experienced in so many different ways, perfect for us. Today, we see things imperfectly, but in heaven we will see clearly. Our knowledge here on earth will always be partial and incomplete, but in heaven we will know completely just as God knows us completely – 1 Corinthians 13:12.
There is so much to God’s love and how He calls us to love. This I’m meditating on today – God is love and love will last eternally – 1 John 4:8, 1 Corinthians 13:13. God is clear in His Word regarding what is temporary and what lasts eternally in heaven. There is a reason God tells us to love here on earth, and why it’s His great command to us – it has eternal impact in heaven; whereas sin (the opposite of love) will face the fiery pit of no end. Sin is in the world, so God told us to love. He has given us the way to overcome the enemy’s plan of destruction.
Love as He loves.
God is the source of hope and hope will last eternally – Romans 15:13; 1 Corinthians 13:13. God is the source of our faith and faith will last forever – Romans 8:24; 1 Corinthians 13:13.
“Three things will last forever – faith, hope, and love – and the greatest of these is love”
1 Corinthians 13:13 NLT
God’s Love in this Season
Right now, in the season I am in – I hate cancer with a passion and it’s destination is hell. The way it steals people’s lives while they are alive is the epitome of Satan’s way. The way it causes extreme pain and suffering is also Satan’s way. The way cancer kills the body quickly or slowly is also Satan’s way; and the way it negatively impacts the family and friends surrounding the cancer patient is also Satan’s way.
Satan = the ruiner of all that is good. He came to steal, kill, and destroy; but praise God Jesus Christ came to bring life and that abundantly – John 10:10. And Jesus always has the last word. We, Christians, have victory in Christ, no matter the suffering we face here on earth. Earth is not our final destination, we are mere sojourners passing through, as citizens of heaven – Ephesians 2:19; Philippians 3:20; 1 Peter 2:11.
To combat Satan’s plan I choose to love as God loves – John 15:12-13. One way God loves His own, as they face cancer, is through the support of their family and friends. People truly experience God’s love when we love.
My mom is now in heaven – I wrote this 6 days before she stepped into Jesus’ arms.
My mom’s battle with cancer is coming to an end. She is ready to go to heaven, she wants to see Jesus. It’s difficult for us, but we don’t want her suffering anymore. I always wanted my mom at my wedding and there when I have my children – she loves my nieces and nephews so much! Nevertheless, God’s plan is good! Jesus is a merciful and faithful High Priest and I so desire His will for my mom!
Loving as God Loves
Today, a little more than a year later, I see the absolute importance in loving as God loves in the here and now because no one is promised tomorrow. So often, we consume or want to be on the receiving end of love. We are a selfish generation that needs to put others’ needs first. God’s command to us is a call to action, not a call to receive. We should not live as forever children, receiving receiving receiving and wanting more out of greed. Yes, when others are loving us, we are to receive it, grateful. Learning contentment – Philippians 4:11.
Nevertheless, our desire should be to love as God loves, selflessly – John 15:12-13. Our desire should be to grow into spiritually mature adults, becoming more like Christ with each passing day. And Christ in His love for us, gave His life for us; so that we can live free today on through heaven’s eternity.
Obeying God in loving Him and loving others is one way we become more like Christ, spiritually mature. And the outcome of obedience to Him is no regrets.
No Regrets
I am so thankful I have no regrets in loving my mom and caring for her during her time with cancer. It was emotionally and physically draining, but I am so thankful I was able to be there for her. Quite often I would just sit with her and watch movies or Hallmark. I would read the Bible, and chatter about what God was speaking to me. My sister and I would rotate, during the last few weeks. She would stay with our mom during the night and I would stay with her during the day – giving her her meds and making sure she was comfortable.
It honestly still feels surreal, though I know she is healed in heaven.
It is also very true that in the last days, when they are there physically but not responsive, it’s difficult and a little awkward. We humans are used to a “response” when we speak to people, so there is a natural awkwardness; unless we are used to carrying on a conversation that is more like a monologue. Awkwardness is ok. The Holy Spirit moves in the awkward moments. Just keep talking. We will never truly know until heaven what our loved ones heard while we were sitting next to their bedside chattering away. What we do know is our love has an eternal impact.
Praying we have the power to understand the vast dimensions of God’s love.
“And may you h ave the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.”
Ephesians 3:18-19 NLT