"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:34-35 NASB).

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law" (Gal. 5:22-23 NASB).

"And beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity" (Col. 3:14 NASB).

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love" (1 John 4:18 NASB).

Since next Tuesday is our 59th wedding anniversary and we will be at Trail West, we are celebrating this week. I confessed to Pearl on our walk this morning that I was just beginning to learn how to love her with the love produced by the Spirit of God. All these years I have been saying "I love you" but really, truth be known, I love me first. Sacrifice and servanthood are the key ingredients in Spirit-produced love. On this special occasion I wanted you to hear from both of us.

"Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus ..." (Rom. 1:1)

"Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus ..." (Phil. 1:1)

"James, a bond-servant of God ..." (James 1:1).

"Simon Peter, a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ ..."
(2 Pet. 1:1).

BONDED WITH THE SUPER GLUE OF LOVE

by Pearl Anderson

   We hear a lot about "bonding" these days. At the time of a baby's birth, the new attitude is to have the father significantly involved in the process. Bonding occurs between father and child when that naked, helpless little human being cuddles closely to Daddy's chest.

   Bonding occurs between a husband and wife when they live out their vows to love, honor, and cherish. Genesis 2:24 speaks of this bonding, "and they shall become one flesh."

   John 15:5 offers a beautiful picture of bonding within the family of God, in Jesus' words: "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing."

   There is great security in knowing that we, as branches, are bonded to the vine. This, by far, is the most important bond we can have in life. As we are bonded to God, we have the source of strength and grace to be properly bonded to our children and mates.

   Another bond with the Lord is important. This bond is our choice. One of the favorite titles used by New Testament writers to describe themselves is that of "bond-servant," a carryover from the Old Testament. In biblical times, when a servant fulfilled his period of service and was given freedom, the slave could CHOOSE to remain as a servant. He became a bond-servant of his master; voluntary service was his personal choice.