The Power of Love

The goal of our work is to make disciples of all nations. The power of love holds the entire work together in spite of all the imperfections. Jesus and the disciples shared fellowship daily. Our power is in this mutual love—that we really love one another. “Let not your hearts be troubled!” Jesus spoke these strengthening words, even though He knew that Peter would deny Him. “Believe in God, believe also in Me!” This is an extremely strong anchor that holds the entire house to­gether. There was an intense longing in Jesus’ heart for the disciples to be with Him. Jesus is laboring and preparing a place for us in heaven, and we labor for the time being in our place here on earth. Soon the entire house will be joined to­gether, and we will be together forever!

Jesus had some words for the angels of the churches in Asia Minor. Today many golden lampstands stand before the face of God. “Command the children of Israel that they bring to you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to make the lamps burn continually. Outside the veil of the Testimony, in the tabernacle of meeting, Aaron shall be in charge of it from evening until morning before the Lord continually; it shall be a statute forever in your generations.” Lev. 24:2-3.

The lampstand has a form; that is why we work with the doctrine. But oil is needed—our hidden life must produce something. The Corinthians were rich in the form of doctrine, but they had no wisdom. The treasures of wisdom are hidden in the Son. Our lamps must not go out. Therefore, we always need a hidden heart-connection to the throne of God. It is im­portant to have the doctrine, but it is even more important to have the life.

Come to the meetings with the conscious thought that this gathering must produce a sense of a future and a hope. Our mind must be open for every good thought. These thoughts of God must be shared with one another when we gather to­gether. Let us encourage one another, because we need it! Let us provoke one another to love and good works and thereby remain in that inner circle of the church where Satan has never placed his foot. Give your life for your friends! Don’t you think the friends sense whether you love them with all of your heart?

“And I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved.” 2 Cor. 12:15. In all that Paul experienced, his love increased. If you fall out of love, you fall out of God—no matter what any­one else has said or done. The circumstances of life, which for most people seem very negative, are for us a well where we can receive more love and life. This begins as a path in the light and becomes a highway in our inner being. This is how it is for everyone who allows himself to be a sacrifice instead of whining and complaining.

“Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us?” Rom. 8:33-34.

Many thoughts, questions and feelings can arise when we are accused or condemned. In the midst of all such tribula­tion, Paul was tremendously comforted by his assurance that nothing would separate him from the love of Christ. He reck­oned himself as a sheep for the slaughter, and consequently his love increased through all of his daily circumstances. The only way anyone can do evil to you is if you come out of love!

There are cold planets, and then there are fixed stars whose light shines from within them. The cold planets orbit around the ones that radiate with their own light. People like to be where they are able to experience the love of God. Those who possess God’s love in their hearts are the most important people alive. Others sense that these people have something from God. Flowers turn toward the sun and blossom, and people feel safe and secure in the presence of a person from whom love emanates. There is a lot of emotional coldness and little genuine love among people. The intention is that every­one who has suffered because of this coldness may experi­ence the warmth of the sun from the body of Christ.

May God preserve us in a fervent, burning love for one an­other and for Jesus Christ. Then we will have a very happy life!