I love you, Bethie

The Lord has been very sharply putting into focus the definition of love, for me.

"Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful." -Colossians 3:12-15

Love is not to be taken lightly. And contrary to what may be assumed by the reader, no, I am not speaking in terms of 'eros' at the moment (although that is a love worth much consideration and gravity as well). Love: ('phileo' and 'agape') is vital to a disciple of Christ. And it has become a commonality, especially in what we consider to be the church, to very frivolously throw around the phrase "I love you." Now, do not take it that I in any way would discourage loving and loving abundantly and broadly. Only be cautious that when you say "I love you," that you love deeply. Genuine. What Coleridge says of truth may also be said of love.

"Truths, of all others the most awful and interesting, are too often considered so true, that they lose all the power of truth, and lie bed-ridden in the dormitory of the soul, side by side with the most despised and exploded errors."

God let not my love be a common one. But express Your love through me. And I cannot explain His love. I leave it to the knowledge of the reader. But I hope you see it in my life. I love you, Bethie. I lift you up to our Father, "thankful upon every remembrance of you."