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1 John 3:14 says, \u201cWe know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other…\u201d Agape flows from the vertical stake (our union with Christ) to our horizontal fellowship with one another. The Vine supplies loving sustenance through yielded outstretched arms.<\/p>\n
On Building Relationship<\/span>
Secure stake to foundation
Pointing upward!
Then, and only then,
Attach crossbeam.<\/pre>\n\u201cGreater love has no one than this: to lay down one\u2019s life for one\u2019s friends.\u201d John 15:13<\/h2>\n
\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\nMy thoughts
<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\nWhen we approach others (or respond to them) out of our natural, self-centered inclination, we fall short of our calling to show forth the love of God. But Jesus, the greatest lover and teacher of all has provided a better way. He is the source of true love and by His Spirit we are empowered to demonstrate that love to the world. Being rooted in Christ (our vertical relationship) determines the nature and quality of our interactions with others (our horizontal relationships). Let us look to Jesus, who directs our path.<\/p>\n
For further study: Consider these related Scriptures<\/strong>
1 John 4:7, 11-12, 19
John 17:11, 23, 26
Romans 5:8
1Corinthians 13:13
Ephesians 5:1-2
1 Thessalonians 1:3
1 John 2:5-6<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n ","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
1 John 3:14 says, \u201cWe know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other…\u201d Agape flows from the vertical stake (our union with Christ) to our horizontal fellowship with one another. The Vine supplies loving sustenance through yielded outstretched arms. All praises be to our Lord, the precious lamb who […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"\n
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