True Love
One of the greatest blessings man has today is the wonderful love of God. Through this love, man has the ability to both love and be loved (I John 4:19) by others. This love of God is agape, that perfect love that only desires what is best for the one being loved. First Corinthians 13:1-13 illustrates certain characteristics of agape and if it is our desire to love as God loves, we will study this description so we can apply these traits to our everyday lives. Notice the qualities found within the true love of God:
"Charity suffereth long…" - A Christian, who is long suffering, is both patient and forbearing. This enables him to keep his/her temper in check. To allow ones’ self to simply "fly off the handle" when the situation (as we see it) provides that opportunity is a gross misinterpretation of a Christian’s liberty (James 1:21-25). One could pick from a number of examples that would illustrate this principle; however, there is one in particular that clearly defines it and that example is – criticism. An attitude of patient love should be practiced when a fellow Christian confronts another with constructive criticism; for it takes patience to accept criticism given in love from others.
"Love is kind" - Kindness involves being gracious toward others and being willing to serve at all times, even when the other individual is acting unlovable. It involves being good-natured, gentle, tender, and affectionate (Eph 4:32). This type of attitude (selflessness) is required by all Christians who desire to be like Christ (2 Pet. 1:5-8); for He is the greatest example of kindness.
"Love does not envy" – Envy is discontent or uneasiness at the sight of another’s good fortune, accompanied with hatred and a desire to possess that of another (Ps 37:1-3; Prov 14:30). Envy is akin to jealousy, because for envy to be present, jealousy had to already exist (Gen. 4:4-8; 16:5). Friends, Christians should rejoice in their brother’s happiness and welfare rather than detracting from it.
"Love vaunteth not itself and is not puffed up" – Agape is the type of love which never "thrusts itself forward, nor desires the highest of seats in the synagogue" (Lipscomb, 197). It is also the type of love that never indulges in inflated opinions of itself, but rather has the desire to give all the glory and praise to God (Matt. 5:14-16).
Love "doth not behave itself unseemly" – Here Paul points out that "true love" never behaves haughty; rather it behaves in such ways that it prompts honor, respect and high regard to all of those who are around (I Pet. 2:17). It prompts duty in areas of relationships. Simply put, it is kind, gentle, loving in character and honors the wishes of others.
Love "seeketh not her own" Agape is the type of love that never seeks its own selfish desires or pleasures; rather it neglects its own interests in order to look to the welfare of others (Phil 2:3-4). Though the general philosophy of our day says we must care for "self," God has instructed us to "love thy neighbor as thyself" (Mk 12:31; Rom. 15:2; 2 Cor 8:9). Love "is not easily provoked" – This trait is probably one of the hardest to invoke. The one who possesses this quality of agape is not hasty in his/her decisions. He is serious, calm, and patient. He will look soberly at all things and resist the temptation to act according to anger. Simply put, the fires of anger will be quenched in the heart of those who possess agape.
Love "thinketh no evil" – Agape does not speculate evil nor does it think of the worst case scenario. It never makes memos of the evil done unto it, but rather allows it to pass on by. It does not allow one to place evil motives on others, neither is it suspicious. Only when irrefragable [impossible to refute] evidence is presented is it compelled to act.
Love "rejoiceth not in iniquity" – The love of God is the type of love that never rejoices in the wrong doing committed by others (Rom. 1:32). It will never sympathize with, neither will it share the glee of any who will run to do mischief (Prov. 6:16-18). Agape finds its pleasure in those who seek to abide in the truth of God (I Cor. 13:6).
Love "beareth all things" – Agape is a love that covers and protects. It keeps out the sediment (unrighteousness) of this world as a ship’s hull keeps out the water. It never seeks to expose the shortcomings of others to public gaze, but rather forbears them while trying to deliver them from error.
Love "believeth all things" – True love is trustful and not suspicious; it is always ready to see the best, not the worst, in others. Simply put, agape thinks favorable of all men until proper evidence is set forth to change this good standing. Love "hopeth all things" – When belief is uncertain, agape anticipates with an optimistic expectation for a good standing. It does not despair, but rather seeks the bright side of all things.
Love "endureth all things" – To love as God is to suffer, endure and persevere; bearing evil through all kinds of adversity and ill treatment. Agape is never driven from the true course by the wrongs of the wicked.
"Love never faileth…" – Beloved, true love survives everything and anything it encounters. It does not fall like a leaf from a tree with every wind of trial that blows by; it, like the root of the tree, stays firm and grounded in truth. It is the ruling principle and will abide for eternity (I Cor. 13:13).
Let us never forget that the love of God is the greatest commodity known to mankind (John 3:16). It should be our pleasure to love others, as God Himself has loved us. Though this can be a challenge at times, if it is our desire to love as He loved, then we all will enact this principle called TRUE LOVE.
Allen Weakland
Restoration
Frank Vargas came forward this past Sunday evening confessing sin in his life. He has asked God and his brothers and
sisters in Christ for forgiveness and strength to overcome any temptations that Satan may put in his way.
Sympathy
We wish to express our sympathy to the family of Ida Mae McMillan who passed away this past week. Her funeral services
were held at Hubbard Kelly on Tuesday, October 2nd and was officiated by Burt Groves.
Current Concerns
Billy Carson has requested our prayers concerning the problem he is having with his back. He was scheduled to see his
doctor on Monday, October 1st.
Prayer List
Alvie Adams; Fran Arbuckle; Darlene Brown; Cecilia Bethune; Vivianna Cedillos; Mildred Heslip; Breanna Keck; Doc
King; Fran McFatridge; Bessie Millwee; Orbin Montgomery; Trevor Parker; Harmon Rex; Mike Roemisch; Patsy Sanchez;
Baby Ava Camille Simmons; Rosa Simmons; Susan Simmons; James Smith; Lucinda Webster; DeLora Wood.
Shut-ins
Mildred Bell; Mary Dunn; Fay Gann; Cecil and Mildred Hext; Wilma Mitchell; Virgie Price; Charles and Pearl Tucker.
Events
Watch In Search of the Lord’s Way with Mack Lyon every Sunday morning at 7:30 am on CBS, channel 7. This week’s
topic will be titled, ‘The Conversion of a Jailor."
Come join us for an evening of fellowship and hot dogs at the Ochoa’s house on Saturday, October 20th from
7:00 p.m.—? Boys bring cokes and girls bring cookies or marshmallows.
FYI
October 10th will be our second Wednesday morning Bible Class. Steve’s class discussion is entitled "Submit to One
Another " ( Ephesians 5:21.) Don’t miss out on this opportunity to hear God’s word proclaimed.
Odessa Christian School will have a work day on October 6th from 9:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. They need workers and
overseers for the work day. A list of jobs and a sign up sheet is listed on the bulletin board in the east foyer. Please sign
up if you are able to help. They have asked us to fax the sign up sheet as soon as possible.
We would like to bring it to the congregation’s attention that we have received two new Allen Webster tracts entitled,
"Give Your Tobacco to a Billy Goat" and "How to Stop Worrying." These tracts are displayed
along with many other tracts that we offer as additional insights on certain issues. Feel free to take advantage of these
tracts.
Attention All Ladies:
The Eisenhower congregation will be sponsoring Ladies’ Day on Saturday, March 1st, 2008. Christy Weakland is
requesting that all the ladies who plan on attending or are interested in being a part of this function to please meet up
front of the auditorium this Sunday , October 7th, after the evening services, to discuss the plans on making this a very
special day for all those who attend.
Marilyn Upshaw is now residing at the Lincoln Towers Retirement Place—#217. Telephone #332-1238. Marilyn is in
need of a ride to and from Sunday morning services. Please let someone in the office know if you will be able to do this
good work.
Our food pantry is almost empty. We are requesting you bring any canned or dry foods that store well. We need it
stocked as soon as possible.
Thank You
Our Brothers & Sisters:
We would like to thank you for your prayers, visits and calls during Mike’s surgeries and recoveries. We especially
thank those who waited with Nancy and the kids during each surgery. We know that God answers prayers and we ask
that you continue to remember us in your prayers as Mike recovers.
Thank you,
In Christian Love,
The Mike Roemisch Family
Dear Eisenhower Church of Christ,
Thank each of you for your prayers, cards and many expressions of concern for Fran during her surgery. We enjoyed
Allen’s visit and prayer before surgery. She is still pretty sore but is expected to have complete recovery.
In Christ,
Max & Fran McFatridge
Office News
Our food coordinators for the month of October are Christy Weakland and Sonia Wood
| October 7, 2007 | Morning | Evening |
|---|---|---|
Announcements |
Charles Wood |
Charles Wood |
Song Leader |
Ronnie Lane |
Cameron May |
Sermon |
Allen Weakland |
Allen Weakland |
Opening Prayer |
Charles Wood |
Charles Wood |
Scripture |
Jr. Munoz |
George Warren |
Second Prayer |
Rudy Ochoa |
Johnny Warren |
Closing Prayer |
DJ Ray |
Jeff Wesson |
|
||
West |
C.M. Riggs |
Craig Wesson |
East |
Bill Ryan |
Bradley Martell |
Other Responsibilities: Elder: Charles Wood ~ Deacon: Jeff Wesson
Pulpit: Jimmy Nunley
Table: Tony Marrs ~ Song Leaders: Ronnie Lane
Sunday AM
"Quality Men for Spiritual Leadership"
(I Timothy 3:1-7)
Sunday PM
"Antidote to Satan’s Devices"
(Genesis 3:1)
Our Records
Bible Class...98
Morning Worship...165
Evening Worship...108
Wednesday...129
Contribution $4.681.00