A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. (John 13:34-35, ESV)
God has given us choices in our walk with Him. He guides and encourages but He doesn't dictate.
He has given us la-TEA-tude---that freedom to choose how to act or what to do.
IF the word "if" is translated καθώς ἠγάπησα then it can be taken as "seeing that," you love one another. To me it shows the choice made. In "my" words, the actions of love toward others is seen by man and God as actions of a disciple of God. (Dotsy THOTS, as I'm Trusting, Him, On This Subject)
The coordinates are there running north to south and east to west. (latitude and longitude) From God in heaven to us on earth. His love to us comes down and our love to him goes up and out. When it spreads out to others horizontally, the coordinate /intersection is at the "cross."
In my head I might have this wrong; in my heart, I have it right!
Some of my views as I gratefully sip my cuppa of la-TEA-tude with the Lord this morning.
