Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
http://www.geocities.com/bibleloverbill
PFHL Course 620-- God Pleasing Love Meanings, Goals, and Preparations
Directions: There are 6 different sections for this course. This assignment is worth 3 units, so write
at least 4 quality pages describing your responses to the information.
First, read the following item I received in an e-mail and then write a few paragraphs
about what it means to make thinking changes for God-pleasing love.
Directions: Read the following Biblical definitions and look up the Scripture references to
determine three main types of love. Two are created by human beings and one is given
by God for sharing with others in all different forms. Write a paragraph or two.
Directions: How can each of the following qualities be used for increasing love for one’s spouse?
Be specific.
Directions: What are the most important items in the following five selections and why? How can
you do each statement?
LOVE
Love is Special.
Love is Sweet.
Love is what makes Life Complete.
Love is Joy and Peace of Mind.
4
Love is Laughter, seldom tears,
Sharing, Caring through the Years.
Love is more than Words Express.
Finally, Love is mostly Happiness.
MARRIAGE CREED
Inspire warmth.
Love Is…
Note: Before Christmas of 1993, I found the book titled the above. It was written by Sarah Hornsby, a
former missionary. It is in a daily devotion format, but I read it only when Holy Spirit urged me to
(usually while doing laundry in a laundromat). It is one of the best books I have read. On the back
of the paper cover is the following prayer: “Lord of Love, enable me to seek and keep on seeking
Your purpose for my life, discovering love in the midst of each flowing pattern.” Do you see life as
a series of “flowing patterns”? I never thought of it that way, but it is true historically,
psychologically, and spiritual growth-wise. In the inside left flap of the book’s paper cover are the
following words: “In February, love is hears and flowers. In June, love is crinoline and lace. In
December, love is brightly wrapped presents under the tree. But what happens when the flowers
die, the lace turns yellow, and the presents are forgotten? Christians recognize love not as an
emotion but a decision, not as a chemical reaction but a command. The Bible reveals love as a
washbasin and towel, a man laying down his life for his friends, a Carpenter hanging on a cross.
This beautifully illustrated devotional will help you to live a different aspect of Jesus’ love every
5
day of the year. What does it mean in practical terms to go the extra mile, to turn the other cheek,
to be available to others to pray for your enemy, to show hospitality to strangers? Love relates
with grace to loved ones, serves those who are irritating, encourages others’ gifts, is faithful in
commitments. After catching daily glimpses of God’s heart of love for a year and praying these
into your life, you will find your own heart full to overflowing with His love.”
Note: I have never had such an exciting and reviving, full of confirmations experience as I did when I was
typing the following list of 353 adjectives related to God-pleasing love. The list can be used as a
self-inventory list. We each can be catalyst of God’s unselfish love if we desire, married or not. I
think that going through Sarah Hornsby’s book of appropriate Bible verses and prayers would be
excellent and exciting to do such a group. The world desperately needs more examples of God’s
special, unselfish, forever love.
Directions: Now go through this list and choose at least 20 to briefly explain why they are
important for a good marriage.
The daily titles in this book say that God’s special love is “new, now, approachable, example,
foundation, entering, choosing, triumphing, belonging, the way, established, transforming, sanctifying,
release, purpose, presence, inviting, knocking, open, finding, inquiring, chaste, commitment, available,
becoming, alive, rooted, searching, bright, learning, continuing, desire, enjoyment, well-beloved, yoked,
adoration, attentive, clinging, appealing, chosen, desired, embracing, betrothing, dear, beloved,
companionship, affectionate, devotion, accepting, cherishing, esteeming, heart, trusting, submissive, tender,
sweet, preparation, receiving, friendship, treasure, yielding, wounded, travail, suffering, able, bearing,
guiding, discipline, effort, abstaining, confession, diligent, examining, formed, instructive, humble, meek,
integrity, renewal, obedient, perfecting, remembrance, taught, acknowledging, believing, called, approval,
cleansing, communing, atonement, changing, enduring, foolish, standing fast, abiding, painful, persevering,
fervent, quiet, sober, anguish, broken, bruised, crucified, pierced, victorious, overcoming, rejoicing, pardon,
longsuffering, glorious, grace, conquering, kind, communion, unity, crowning, delight, encouragement,
restoration, shining, being, abundant, creative, childlike, eager, earnest, happy, entrusting, good news,
genuine, honest, sincere, glad, dancing, discretion, enthusiasm, growing, for the simple, simplicity, truthful,
touching, gentle, song, enabling, refreshing, pleasant, leaning, listening, life, helping, reviving, a banner,
celebration, agreement, binding, cleaving, burning, spirit, covenant, engraved, harmonious, eternal,
fellowship, spiritual, curing, united, beauty, forever, salvation, closeness, undivided, unchanging,
wonderful, responsive, quickening, power, lovingkindness, kissing, pleasure, pleasing, perfectly joined,
bountiful, children, strengthening, liberty, self-control, participation, merciful, understanding, applying,
interested, hearing, increasing, freeing, forgiving, equipping, a fountain, flowing, deep, directing, election,
confident, comprehension, brotherhood, edifying, excellent, comforting, admonishing, affirmation,
admirable, great, honoring, strength, prayer, healing, perceptive, knowing, flourishing, radiant,
imperishable, firm, teaching, following, peaceful, convinced, forbearing, effectual, concern, alert,
appearing, bestowing, a bridegroom, a bride, entertaining, cheerful, leaping, freedom, clear, best, bold,
appointing, benefits, anointing, labor, returning, neighborly, walking, righteous, kindness, just, Godly,
commandments, chastening, action, patient, known, reconciliation, interceding, saving, rescue, answering,
corrected, assurance, faithful, defending, deliverance, carrying, hospitable, beautiful, adorned, glory,
praise, awesome, turning, togetherness, respect, leaving, joining, holding, consoling, clean, rebuking, holy,
wisdom, fragrant, redeeming, gathering, harvesting, fullness, fruitful, satisfying, reaping, filling,
enrichment, gratitude, charitable, fulfilling, keeping, liberality, priceless, ready, serving, fearless,
establishing, thankful, reverent, healthy, steadfast, zealous, fire, light, good, shielding, refuge, gracious,
compassionate, building, blessed, abounding, always, sustaining, remaining, nourishing, certain, offering,
overflowing, exalting, partaking, service, thankful, supply, sharing, looking, seeking, advocate, everlasting,
habitation, covering, blessing, coming, dwelling, overshadowing, courageous, favor, pure, overjoyed,
faultless, joy, bringing, bowing, declaration, counsel, pondering, generous, gifts, giving, Christ,
enlightenment, unfailing, family, security, rest, content, complete.”
Directions: First, carefully and slowly read the following 3 essays. Then respond by writing what
you learned and what you believe are the most important facts and goals
6
What Is Eternal Love?
It requires “the fruit of the Spirit”, listed in Galatians 5:22-23, as the following statements indicate.
It begins as a tiny little seed that will grow to maturity as a large, beautiful tree with the nourishment from
heeding to inner soul Holy Spirit guidance and God's written-in-the-Bible instructions for best relating with
others (not from relying in one's intellect or knowledge/understanding and then reacting).
Eternal love is sharing all feelings and wanting to please the significant other without having selfish
motives.
Eternal love, in its highest form, is laying down his or her life for the truly loved other.
Eternal love never insists on its own way and is not stubborn. It is always wanting to cast out selfish
motives.
Eternal love is being patient, long-suffering (if necessary), and self-controlled (having temperance). It is
not touchy or involving quick negative responses.
Eternal love is verbally responding with understanding and using gentle words (applying the “Golden
Rule”) when harshly spoken to or unconstructively criticized. It usually involves being properly tolerant
and a williness to compromise if possible.
Eternal love is forgiving and “letting go” (even in thinking about) of unjust individuals, even though they
seem to not deserve such grace and eventually need to be rebuked or/and punished. “Vengeance is Mine,
says the Lord [God the Father].”
God's eternal love is for willing believing/receiving distributors and never is a waste or a failure. Who is
able to reject it? Only those who want to be self-pleasing, instead of God-pleasing.
A true Christian marriage is the best “nest” of such: for-all-situations and for everlasting love. It is a
gradual-becoming union of hearts --“two become one” in attitudes, beliefs, convictions, and concerns.
There are many types of verbal and physical affection which should be done frequently as the Holy Spirit
urges, which should be fully and always appreciated (never taken for granted or assumed) by both spouses,
and which will result in more “heart to heart” unity. The sexual union, in its highest intent, is an Earthly
reflection of our union with God, our Father, and should be a time of celebration (unspeakable joy) for both
involved. Jesus Christ said about His disciples in His prayer recorded in John 17: “‘I made Your [God the
Father's] name known to them [His first disciples] and revealed Your [God the Father's] character and Your
very Self, and I will continue to make You known, that the [eternal] love which You have bestowed upon
Me may be in them [His disciples]-- felt in their hearts-- and that I may be in them [always].’”
Do You Want to Experience the Only Love and Marriage that Lasts Forever?
(by Bill Stevenson)
Most people marry for the wrong reasons, usually for friendship/buddy love (philèo) and erotic sexual
love. But God wants much better for His adopted children. The two mentioned loves are responses to
others, situational, and temporary. It is created by us. Agapèo love is only a gift from God for individuals
when they are righteous (as much as they know to be-- 1 John 1:9 and repentance) and are thinking
unselfishly. Thinking thankfulness to God and thankfulness for their spouse helps too. This love is not
created by us; it is a gift of God because of our choice of the just indicated commitment in thinking. Only
marriages with this love as the top desire will last forever. The following fact may surprise you: agapèo
love manifests in all different forms, even sexual. And after every manifestation of it, the ones blessed have
wonderful peace and joy (not just peace). I can tell when my wife and I have it in bed and when we don’t
by the results. When we have eros, I have just a little peace and indifference, as if I just did what was
expected to do in marriage. Sometimes I even feel shame because I was intimate with her only for selfish
reasons. When one does eros outside of marriage, guilt feelings will also most likely result. I experienced
that once. But when I experience agapè, I always have wonderful peace and joy. And another thing about
agapè is that it can give you wonderful almost total body good feeling even when both you and your spouse
are fully clothed, and if your spouse is on you, it can make you feel very very little of her weight. In other
words, a feeling of being united much more than when naked and doing intercourse. I call this “spiritual
intercourse” or “spiritual intimacy”. Agapè in intercourse can happen in ways that don’t seem biologically
possible (I don’t mean weird or erotic positions either). It seems supernatural during those times, definitely
not normal or the usual. But the main requirement for such wonderful loving is that I want my wife to feel
good physically and I don’t care if I feel good at all or climax. If you are married, try what I have indicated
about agapè, you will definitely enjoy. Eros will not always have good results. Why do you think that eros
is not mentioned in the New Testament? God’s best for all aspects of marriage is agapè.
8
Most marriages are based only on eros love. A very small number are based on agapèo love. Why?
One reason is because most individuals have not been taught about agapèo love and how God can be
involved in all aspects of a marriage. Most individuals are not even encouraged to personally relate to what
the Bible says about God-pleasing love as stated in 1 Corinthians 13 and Ephesians 5. The second reason
why there are more eros-love marriages is the emphasis on selfishness in all of the human societies.
Humanism is being taught in schools and even most churches. Humanism emphasizes a “I can do all
things just by willing such” type pride and selfishness. In some churches, the church leaders command the
congregation to make demands to God and quote some of the promises in the Bible. The third reason is
usually due to the mass media, because most of such emphasizes eros. Of course the obvious examples are
TV ads and movies with scantily clothed beautiful females and erotic activity. Also the fourth reason for
mostly secular marriages with eros emphasis are the dirty stories, bragging claims, gossip, jokes [in secular
groups and in churches (usually from the pulpits)], dating customs, and “falling in love” having to usually
do with selfish physical intimacy. I have suggested using “raised or resurrected to love” instead of “falling
in love”. Usually when a child or adult physically falls, he or she usually gets hurt, at least a little bruise or
two. Some people who divorce say that they “fell out of love”. Agapèo love is forever because it is love
from God Who is forever. One more point, I hate marriage jokes in church because at least in church
marriage should always be talked about with respect. A preacher should never talk negatively against his
spouse.
So how can a couple have a mostly spiritual unselfish marriage instead of a selfish marriage mostly
based on sexual or/and materialistic fulfillment? Two anagrams and seven Bible verses will help answer
this question. JOY= Jesus, Others, Yourself in chronological order. CONTROL= Character & Christ-
likeness, Obedience to God’s Word and the Holy Spirit, Needs & Notions, Thinking & Temper &
Tolerance, Reverence & Relating to God, Observations, Learning & Love with Holy Spirit help. The 7
Bible verses are: Matthew 22:37-40-- Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and
with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is
like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
1 John 1:9-- “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from
all unrighteousness.” Proverbs 3:5-6-- Trust in the Lord with all my heart, and lean not on my own
understanding or past experiences; in all my ways acknowledge (be thankful for) Him, and He (via the
Holy Spirit) shall direct my thinking and doing.” Notice how I translated the last 2 verses. Taking
personal responsibility is very important in a God-pleasing way of living.
And most important is who is on the throne of your life? Who really “controls” or “rules” you? Is
self on the throne of your life? Is a spouse or a good friend there? Is your job or occupation the main thing
you live for? Or is Jesus Christ really Lord as well as Savior of your life? Do you heed to His Holy Spirit
as He said His disciples should? See John 16. Selfish (even professing “fundamentalist Christian”)
spouses usually try to be controllers by being selfish demanders or dictators, often with threats. But such
individuals cannot be Holy Spirit-led because the He does not force or dictate. He urges and influences
gently and sometimes with His reasons. Do you really live the 7 Bible verses emphasized in the paragraph
before this one? When you do, you will think, say, and do God-pleasing and perfect things because the
Holy Spirit is such. Think of a triangle with God on the top and the husband on the left line and the wife
on the right line going up towards God by increasingly loving Him and increasingly obeying His Word and
the Holy Spirit. As they get more spiritually intimate with God-Abba Father, they will get more spiritually
intimate with each other in the agapèo love forever!! “Try it; you will like it.” The common characteristic
of every sin is selfish, so individuals wanting to be ready for the Second Coming trip to Heaven and later
life on the New Earth should be increasingly becoming more unselfish and compassionate. God pleasing
marriage is not a 50%/50% commitment; it is a 100%/100% commitment. The only way it should be
50%/50% is in changes made. In other words, a husband and wife should make about the same number of
changes in order to develop more unity. Such compromise is necessary. Some changes are just promises
not to think, say, or do specific things.
As soon as possible, do a thorough study of 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 and Ephesians 5 (yes, the whole
chapter even though the second half seems to be the only part relating to marriage). If we have the right
goals, we can have success!! Do you want to experience the wonderfulness of agapè as I indicated in the
first paragraph? It is your choice. God’s best or second or third best?