London at war (Part 4)
This month's blog is totally different from the previous ones in that it has nothing whatsoever to do with the second world war! So why is it here? Because it is a very clear memory I have and it took place during the war. Some of you will undoubtedly have heard part of the story – never heard the lead-up, so here goes.
At the time, I was employed in a small factory in Acton, West London as a centre lathe turner making small parts for the Royal Navy. Throughout the UK thousands of men had been conscripted into the armed forces and were replaced by women, doing vital jobs as well as the boring tasks! Where I was working the workforce
consisted of male and female. One morning a young woman operator, who I would guess was about 18-19, came to her machine and immediately began boasting to anyone within earshot about her wonderful “love-life”. She went on and on and on!! Later that day I had an opportunity to speak to her out of hearing of others and I asked “ do you love him?” I was a little surprised at her response. “There's no such thing as love”. I quickly told her that I knew she was wrong and love was a very real and precious part of life. Then she retorted “OK then what is love?” She needed a definition and I hadn't thought of one! Yet, instantly, without any hesitation, the definition came, and I am sure it was given to me by the Holy Spirit “Love is the forsaking of ones self in the interests of another.” I was so excited and grateful to God for His perfect and timely definition that I cannot remember how my conversation with the young lady ended!
Think about it. It covers every form of loving relationship; husband & wife; parents & children; brothers & sisters; close friends; church “family”; etc. And, of course, it is supremely and beautifully illustrated by the love between God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. From them this love is shared to the whole world (John 3:16) Hallelujah!
A few weeks ago Pastor Keith led a Bible Study on zoom and, with his usual expertise, guided us through John chapter 15, which begins with the Vine and the Branches, then goes on in v9 to the subject of love. Earlier that day I had begun thinking about blog 4 in this series,and, although I was asked to share this definition, I thought it best to share it with the wider group via this blog. Of course, if you want a Scriptural definition, go to 1 Corinthians 13 which ends “And now these three remain; faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is LOVE”.......the forsaking of ones self in the interests of another.
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