God can be known exclusively through self-revelation; allowing others to notice His existence through means emanating solely from Him and Him alone (18). Such revelation may be manifest in the creative order (general revelation) or in God's interaction with His creation in particular instances, such as those instances recorded by Scripture (special revelation).
Knowledge that we learn, all from God, and our love that we learn, all from God, are within a continuum; or at least should be something like this:
Our knowledge of love about (to seek) God and our love of knowledge about (to seek) God should be "always grow[ing]" (18). As both knowledge and love of Him grow within us (only because of His Holy Spirit working in us, of course), both knowledge and love of Him are symbiotic, in that they constantly benefit one another. In this way, it seems to me that the symbiotic relationship between knowledge of God and love of God (as one person would seek Him) is similar to how we are called to serve one another. Here are a few examples from Scripture... Matthew 5:38-42 "You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also. If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. Give to those who ask, and don't turn away from those who want to borrow." Eccelsiastes 4:9-12 "Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken." Ephesians 4:29 "Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them." All in all, our knowledge and love of and for God should never diminish, but with a willing eagerness in joy, both will grow for His glory. |
