I know all of us Christians over 30 are looking forward to receiving a new body. Although I’m relatively healthy, I can feel the effects of years of wear and tear on my body. My hair’s falling out. My teeth are getting long. My eyes can’t see thing too close… I can’t wait to receive a new body!

But, did you know the real reason why we are going to be given a new body in heaven is not simply to replace this body with a more robust one? No. The real reason is because this body cannot take the inexpressible and glorious joy we will have in heaven. It will burst at the seam! Therefore, God will give us a new spiritual body so that it can contain all the joy we will have and not explode. Imagine that! Getting a new body because our present body cannot contain the joy we will have there!!!

“The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.” 1 Cor. 15:42-44.

Ever laughed so hard your sides hurt? Ever loved so much your heart ached? Imagine joy and love unrestrained! We DO need a new body…

So, phooey to all those preachers who told me that loving God with all our hearts is just DOING the good things for God. I don’t think words like joy,love, glorious, shouting, go well with just doing the deeds. It ought to be felt in our hearts! No. I’m not saying that our faith is mainly a feeling. But if we are to love God with all our heart, soul and mind, it ought to involve feeling!

Love the Lord with all our emotions, actions, and wills!

PH