Language Of Victorious Endurance (LOVE) Bible Study on Christian Love Lesson 4

February 21, 2025

Chaplain LaVina “Viny” Burns

Years ago, a couple, Duane and Nadine, along with their 6 children were missionaries in Brazil. Interestingly they lived in the jungle with natives, in a hut, with virtually no material goods. Their desire was to show LOVE to the natives, but this was not an easy task. We can all imagine the difficulties that might have arisen, but the greatest obstacle was this: The word “LOVE” was NOT in their vocabulary. They had “feeling” and I am sure could show one another LOVE, but there was not a word to be translated in the dialect this tribe spoke to portray the Love of Jesus!

My heart broke to hear them speak of the difficulties explaining John 3:16; I John 4:19; Romans 5:8, etc. Oh, the struggles to try and share the love of Jesus and His forgiveness with these people. Then I think of I Corinthians 13:1-3, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2) And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3) And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.”

Duane and Nadine, just listening to them speak of the people God gave them to work with, spoke of them with a love and endurance in the ministry. Because of the lack of the language to explain LOVE, they knew each day was vital in showing LOVE lived out in their speech and lives.

So often our tongue is sharp and hateful to those we love. Do we really love when our actions are as such? Reread verse 1 – Though I speak of love and yet do not have love, I am a sounding brass or a clanging cymbal just making a LOT of NOISE! It does not take people long to find out your words do not match your actions if you are claiming you love them!

Yes, you may have several gifts: your parenting skills explicable, but the tone of your voice to your kids say a complete different story; your understanding of certain matters, but your attitude and arrogancy come across rotten, yet you say you are doing this or that in love. My friend, your actions speak louder than your words and your actions are NOT saying LOVE! Time for self-examination!

In Duane and Nadine’s story, if they would have gone to Brazil and were self-centered and self-serving, the language of LOVE would never have been taught or detected. That is where knowing that Jesus has been invited into your life and is living within you teaches you the true meaning of LOVE! If they gave all they had to be in Brazil, gave to the poor, but did not love the natives and what they were doing, it would have all been for naught!

If you have the love of the Father in you, you will have love one for another. Love will endure, persevere, speak kindly, show respect, etc. Your life will be filled with true meaning in which you will be able to say, “Love profits me everything – Jesus, His forgiveness, Everlasting life in Heaven!”

John 15:12-13, “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater Love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” Oh, the Love of Jesus! It is the Language of Victorious Endurance!