“Loving More Versus Loving Much”

“Loving More Versus Loving Much”

Good evening Saints, and those who “ain't” but shall be in the future. I want to share a revelation God gave me about using idle words just because they sound good and because others are saying it, and I am sure many of you do the same.

For example, of late, one phrase that is used by many as a gesture of endearment is to respond by saying “I love you more.” Where that saying originated, I am not sure, but know this beloved, it is not of God for us to say we love someone “more.” Before you “kill the messenger, allow me to explain why this phrase is not the proper way to respond, and it is not a biblical principle; therefore, it should not be used to express terms of endearment.

That being said, the word “more ‘ is defined as comparative of a more excellent, or more significant or additional amount or degree. In other words, it expresses a comparison of two things, one being in excess than another. II Corinthians 2: 1012 (NAS) states, but when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding. If you do a quick search of the scripture, you will find that when the word “more” is used in the sense of comparison, it is only used in reference to our love for God; on the other hand, the word “much” is used in reference to man. To continue to use this phrase after knowing the truth is the practice of using idle words. The Word declares “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment (Matthew 12:36). The enemy, satan, desires for us to mishandle God’s word- knowingly or unknowingly - Paul said in II Corinthians 2:11b “ for we are not ignorant of his devices.” Even the law of man supports such practice as to continue in ignorance.

One of the first principles a law student learns during his or her first week of law school is Ignorantia juris non excusat or ignorantia legis neminem excusat, Latin for "ignorance of the law excuses not" and "ignorance of law excuses no one" respectively. It is a legal principle holding that a person who is unaware of a law may not escape liability for violating that law merely because one was unaware of its existence.

Beloved, this message is not to condemn, but it is intended to inform that we might make corrections in our lives that we might speak in accord with what God Word says concerning us. He says, “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it (Isaiah 55:11). When we speak as he speaks, our word spoken in faith in prayer, will not return void, it shall accomplish what we please, and it (too) will prosper in the thing for which we send it! My husband, Pastor Bobby Smith, constantly say, “When we know better we should do better!

Love you much,

Min. Dr. Marye Smith