JULY 16 “INTIMACY IN LOVING ONE ANOTHER”

One of the dictionary definitions of intimacy is “a close, familiar, and usually affectionate or loving personal relationship with another person or group.” This is often misunderstood and misrepresented. More often than not, it is linked to sensuality. However, intimacy among believers in Christ, though has a connotation of sensuality, this is within the purview of legal marriage.

Without love, there can be no intimacy. What then is love? The Greek word for love is “agape”. This is a self-less, sacrificial, unwavering commitment, sincere devotion, pure and holy affection to others. It is not based on feelings, but on an intentional desire and action to see to the well-being and needs (spiritual, physical, emotional, mental, financial, material, etc.) of others. It involves serving others the same way our Lord and Master Jesus did as stated in Matthew 20:28 – “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Jesus did this willingly and selflessly. This should manifest in the lives of all believers in Christ – in your life as well as in my life. Love also involves trusting one another in confidence and openness.

In our text for today, we see how God demonstrated this type of love toward us. Verse 9 states that He sent His only begotten Son into the world that we might live through Him. God is concerned about the state of our soul. We also must be concerned about the state of the soul of our brethren, correcting in love, lifting up those who are falling and helping them back on to the path of righteousness. Take a moment today to examine yourself to see how much of the agape love you demonstrate and take necessary action where need be.

PRAYER: Father, I thank You for creating an atmosphere of intimacy between You and I through selfless love, teaching me to do the same with others. Help me to heed your teaching and to love with this type of love in Jesus’ name, Amen.