The absence of love in our life nullifies all of our so-called righteousness. The absence of love discounts all the good done in the name of the Lord. The absence of love makes ministry a job and serving a duty.God is love and if we are going to be a valid conduit of his power, anointing and compassion we must have love flowing in and through us.
This absence of love is caused by a lack of relationship. A lack of relationship comes from a lack of effort. I have counseled so many couples who say, “we have fallen out of love.” Yet, what really happened is that they failed to give the effort.
In human relationships, both sides are imperfect. Therefore, to build a strong love relationship each party has to constantly adjust their thought process and their actions so that the elements of their personality that would hinder relationship can be removed or modified. We should be constantly growing, improving, and removing things in our lives so that a strong bound can be accomplished. When we put forth the necessary effort and compromise a relationship can not help but grow.
This same dynamic also exist in our relationship with God. However, the difference is, He is perfect. His ways, thoughts and actions are without flaw. Therefore, as we progress in our relationship with God we must continue to grow, improve and remove the hindrances and obstacles to a love relationship with Him.
Without love; without relationship; our words become as sounding brass or tinkling cymbals. To be truly effective in ministry we must be a conduit of His love.
Let us make an effort; let us discipline ourselves; so that our relationship with God will be a love relationship. Then and only then, will our preaching, teaching, holiness, worship, serving, and ministry be with true power and effectiveness.
Let love be our motivation. Let love be our ambition. Let love be our gift.
