The Glory of Love

The English word “glory”, in the Old Testament, is translated from the Hebrew word “kabod”, literally meaning: “weight” and figuratively meaning: splendor, glory, and honor.

There appears to be at least two dimensions to the meaning of glory. Splendor, or majesty, refers to a visible appearance, like the breathtaking experience of the queen of Sheba.

1 Kings 10:4 And when the queen of Sheba had seen all the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built, 5 the food on his table, the seating of his servants, the service of his waiters and their apparel, his cupbearers, and his entryway by which he went up to the house of the Lord, there was no more spirit in her. NKJV

Matt 6:28 “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; 29 and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” NKJV

The weighty dimension of glory speaks more of dominion and authority. Some may remember hearing the phrase “throw your weight around” in reference to exercising your authority. A king had dominion and authority over all who were in his sphere of influence. So the glory of Solomon’s kingdom included both the splendor of appearance and the authority of his dominion. Solomon’s glory also commanded tribute: people who wanted to enter his presence, sought his attention bearing gifts.

1 Kings 4:21 So Solomon reigned over all kingdoms from the River to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt. They brought tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life. NKJV

Love is both a covering of splendor and a weight of authority.

Song of Solomon 2:4 He brought me to the banqueting house,
And his banner over me was love. NKJV

His glorious banner declares victory over the enemy and has inscribed on it the name of our King, which is Love, for God is Love. This banner of love rallies the host of heaven to our protection and bears the name of our heavenly country. Those who live and walk under this banner have the protection of God’s angels and are empowered to walk in patience and kindness. Love turns away from envy and selfishness; it avoids pride and arrogance, but embraces courtesy and good manners. Love does not insist on having things its own way and is not easily provoked to anger. Love has the authority to say no to evil, even to evil thoughts. It keeps no record of wrongs, so does not even mention them again. Love and truth hang out together like best of friends. Love does not accuse but is quick to defend; it believes the best about others and is not suspicious. Love never gives up on people but affirms their future in God. Love remains loyal to the end and does not fail, for God is Love.

Sin is a lie, a violation of relationship. It falls short of God’s glory leaving the sinner uncovered and unprotected. The glory of love is a covering over God’s people as well as a banner of truth. Love has a weighty authority that is without boundary, love has no end.

The world is looking for love. It usually searches through all the wrong places and finds no lasting fulfillment. The church of Jesus Christ is to be known by her love for one another. The greatest influence we can have in this world is to love our brother and sister, as well as the lost.

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