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Does God love those who are faithful to Him more than those who are not?
#133146
05/03/11 01:17 AM
05/03/11 01:17 AM
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OP
Active Member 2012
14500+ Member
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 14,795
Lawrence, Kansas
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Those who wait for the Bridegroom's coming are to say to the people, "Behold your God." The last rays of merciful light, the last message of mercy to be given to the world, is a revelation of His character of love.
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Re: Does God love those who are faithful to Him more than those who are not?
[Re: Rick H]
#133197
05/04/11 02:23 AM
05/04/11 02:23 AM
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5500+ Member
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,154
Brazil
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Perhaps He loves each person in a different way... Did He love to be with the pharisees? And did He love to be with Martha, Mary and Lazarus? Food for thought.
Among the most steadfast of Christ's disciples was Lazarus of Bethany. From their first meeting his faith in Christ had been strong; his love for Him was deep, and he was greatly beloved by the Saviour. It was for Lazarus that the greatest of Christ's miracles was performed. The Saviour blessed all who sought His help; He loves all the human family; but to some He is bound by peculiarly tender associations. His heart was knit by a strong bond of affection to the family at Bethany, and for one of them His most wonderful work was wrought. {ML 208.3}
At the home of Lazarus, Jesus had often found rest. The Saviour had no home of His own; He was dependent on the hospitality of His friends and disciples; and often, when weary, thirsting for human fellowship, He had been glad to escape to this peaceful household, away from the suspicion and jealousy of the angry Pharisees. Here He found a sincere welcome, a pure, holy friendship. Here He could speak with simplicity and perfect freedom, knowing that His words would be understood and treasured. {ML 208.4}
Our Saviour appreciated a quiet home and interested listeners. He longed for human tenderness, courtesy, and affection. Those who received the heavenly instruction He was always ready to impart were greatly blessed.... The multitudes were slow of hearing, and in the home at Bethany Christ found rest from the weary conflict of public life. Here He opened to an appreciative audience the volume of Providence. In these private interviews He unfolded to His hearers that which He did not attempt to tell to the mixed multitude. He needed not to speak to His friends in parables.{ML 208.5}
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Re: Does God love those who are faithful to Him more than those who are not?
[Re: Rosangela]
#133198
05/04/11 04:48 AM
05/04/11 04:48 AM
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OP
Active Member 2012
14500+ Member
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 14,795
Lawrence, Kansas
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I think we, as humans, have a great deal of difficulty understanding agape. No doubt, Jesus enjoyed the company of His friends more than that of the Pharisees. But Jesus loved the Pharisees, and when one responded, like Simon or Nicodemus, my guess is that His joy was unbounded, even greater than passing time with His friends, whom He already knew had accepted Him.
Jesus taught us to love our enemies. As a human being, this seems impossible. It's hard enough to love those we love! (if you know what I mean).
One of the principles of agape is that it creates value in its object. We love because we perceive value in the one we love; attractive, kind, good sense of humor, similar values/goals to ourselves; whatever. But agape loves not because of perceive value, but because it's agape. Agape can reach to a person in the gutter, and perceive value, a person for whom Christ died, and reach out and touch that person.
I'm reminded of a story of a preacher, whose meeting was interrupted by a drunk who came in late and was disrupting things. The preacher approached the drunkard after the meeting, and said he appreciated his coming by, and invited him to come back. The drunkard did come back, this time sober, and was seated in the front. The preacher spoke of God's love, and the drunkard's heart was melted, not having heard of God's being presented in such a positive way.
Those who wait for the Bridegroom's coming are to say to the people, "Behold your God." The last rays of merciful light, the last message of mercy to be given to the world, is a revelation of His character of love.
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Re: Does God love those who are faithful to Him more than those who are not?
[Re: Tom]
#133208
05/04/11 02:44 PM
05/04/11 02:44 PM
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SDA Charter Member Active Member 2019
20000+ Member
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Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 22,256
Southwest USA
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God loves faithfulness and hates unfaithfulness. Nevertheless, He loves saints and sinners equally. However, like Jesus, I choose to love everyone but I refuse to hang out with my enemies. Therefore, it doesn't require as much effort to love my enemies as it does to love my family and friends. Sometimes loving my family and friends can be extremely difficult.
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Re: Does God love those who are faithful to Him more than those who are not?
[Re: Mountain Man]
#133211
05/04/11 03:25 PM
05/04/11 03:25 PM
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5500+ Member
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,154
Brazil
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I still think God loves each of His creatures in a different way. You agapao an enemy, but you can only fileo a friend.
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Re: Does God love those who are faithful to Him more than those who are not?
[Re: Rosangela]
#133231
05/05/11 12:38 AM
05/05/11 12:38 AM
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OP
Active Member 2012
14500+ Member
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 14,795
Lawrence, Kansas
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Does God love with agape those who are faithful to Him more than those who are not?
Those who wait for the Bridegroom's coming are to say to the people, "Behold your God." The last rays of merciful light, the last message of mercy to be given to the world, is a revelation of His character of love.
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Re: Does God love those who are faithful to Him more than those who are not?
[Re: Tom]
#133243
05/05/11 01:01 PM
05/05/11 01:01 PM
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SDA Charter Member Active Member 2019
20000+ Member
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Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 22,256
Southwest USA
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God is love; consequently, how can He love anyone more or less? I don't think He can. His love is unconditional and boundless. No one can anything good or bad to increase or decrease God's love for them. Thank you, Jesus!
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Re: Does God love those who are faithful to Him more than those who are not?
[Re: Mountain Man]
#133256
05/05/11 01:56 PM
05/05/11 01:56 PM
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5500+ Member
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,154
Brazil
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Re: Does God love those who are faithful to Him more than those who are not?
[Re: Rosangela]
#133267
05/05/11 07:50 PM
05/05/11 07:50 PM
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FORMER-SDA Active Member 2018 Banned
Senior Member
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 663
Canada
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I still think God loves each of His creatures in a different way. You agapao an enemy, but you can only fileo a friend. This begs the question: Does God agapao me, or fileo me?
"All that is Gold does not Glitter, Not all who Wander are Lost." (J.R.R.T.)
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