This summer, my father-in-law, Charles “Chuck” Keever, and I discussed faith. Although this can be a touchy subject with family members, Chuck has known me for nearly 25 years. He’s heard me preach God’s word and pray over many meals, and most importantly, he has a close view of how I live. In turn, I have insights into how he lives and I knew it to be true when he said “I try to do what The Good Book says”.
Chuck is a giver. He loves to give to his family and friends as well as bless those who are less fortunate. He’s a gifted dentist (now retired) and one of my favorite chefs. The beauty of the combination of dentist-chef is that he utilizes science and art to curate amazing foods such as briskets, breads, dips, and meats. If it once moved slowly, he’ll grill it or smoke it and it will always be good – and you’ll always have enough, even if you’re a random guest in his home.
In short, Chuck shows his love for others by giving to them.
What then does the “Good Book” (The Bible) say to Chuck and the rest of us?
Today’s assigned reading includes 1 John 4. Within this chapter, there is a section titled “God Is Love” (verses 7-21) where we find the word love twenty-seven times (twenty-nine if you count “beloved”). Here are some of the things these verses teach us about love:
- To love one another, that love is from God, and that those who love have been born of God and they know God. (v7)
- That if we do not love, we do not know God. (v8)
- That God is love. (v8)
- That God showed his love for us by sending his only Son into the world to give us life. (v9)
- God loved us first (even if we don’t love him, he still loves us). (v10)
- Since God loves us, we should love each other. (v11)
- As we love others, God in turn lives in us, and his love is expressed in us. (v12)
- God’s perfect love eliminates fear. Fear relates to punishment yet we need not fear when we are abiding in God’s perfect love through Jesus Christ. (v17-18)
- If we say we love God, we must love others (if we hate others, we then show we do not love God). (v20-21)
These verses help us understand why we exist on this planet. To know God and have a relationship with Him, to experience His love through Jesus, to love Him back, and to share His love with others, so that we can spend eternity with Him.
Dear readers, upon the publishing of today’s post, Chuck will be undergoing major surgery so this is a call to prayer in this serious situation. Will you please pray with me?
Father God, thank you for loving us, for showing your love through your servant Charles as we lift him up to you in this moment. Guide the hands of the medical staff, and grant them wisdom and courage. Strengthen Chuck’s body so that it can undergo the necessary procedures. Please comfort and give peace to his family and friends as they surround Chuck from near and far. We ask for miraculous results and full healing, beyond our own understanding, for your glory. We pray these things in the name of Jesus. Amen.