Welcome, dear brothers and sisters in Christ! Today, we delve into a fundamental aspect of our faith: the commandment to love one another. This article accompanies our recent sermon, which you can watch below:
As we explore this crucial topic, let’s remember that we are the local church. Every time we mention “church,” we’re talking about you and me. So, let’s dive in and understand what it truly means to love one another as Christ loved us.
What is Biblical Love?
Before we proceed, it’s essential to clarify what we mean by “biblical love.” In a world where love can mean many things to different people, we must anchor our understanding in Scripture.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” – John 13:34-35
Biblical love is:
- Selfless
- Sacrificial
- Unconditional
It’s not just about feelings or words; it’s about action. Jesus commanded us to love as He loved us. But how can we do this in a world where people often take advantage of kindness?
Love in Action
“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” – 1 John 3:18
It’s beautiful to say “I love you,” but as a congregation, we need to move beyond words. We must put love into action. But here’s the challenge: it starts with you. Yes, you read that right. It starts with each one of us individually.
Charles Schulz once said, “The best theology is probably no theology; just love one another.” While theology is important, our actions should reflect Christ’s love in practical ways. Are you ready to show love through tangible gestures, just like Christ did?
The Challenge of Unconditional Love
Let’s be honest: loving unconditionally is not easy. I struggle with it, and I’m sure many of you do too. It’s challenging when people don’t return our kindness or when we face disappointment. But here’s the truth: we’re called to a more profound, Christlike love that puts others’ needs before our own.
Remember, when we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). He didn’t wait for us to be perfect or to love Him first. He took the initiative. Can we do the same for others?
Loving the Unlovable
Here’s where it gets really challenging. We’re called to love not just those who are kind to us, but also those who may not like us. It’s easy to love those who bring us coffee or bake us cakes. But what about the “nasty” people out there?
This is where God’s love truly shines. We need to ask God to fill us with His love, especially for those we find difficult to love. It’s not about being naive; it’s about reflecting God’s unconditional love to a world that desperately needs it.
Growing in Love: A Call to Maturity
As we strive to love like Christ, we must also grow in maturity. This means:
- Being patient with one another
- Extending grace
- Staying united despite our differences
- Accepting each other’s flaws
It’s time to grow up in Christ. No more childish behaviors like “you don’t talk to me, so I won’t talk to you.” We’re called to be adults in Christ, reflecting His love in all our interactions.
The Challenge: One Step at a Time
Here’s my challenge to you: Make tomorrow better than today. We don’t need to be perfect immediately, but we should be constantly growing. Take one step at a time towards maturity in Christ.
Will you join me in this commitment? Let’s declare together:
“I’m happy with Jesus. I’m happy because I learn from the Word of God that it’s possible in God. I’m willing to practice what the Word of God says.”
Conclusion: A Call to Action
As we conclude, remember that loving one another is not optional for followers of Christ. It’s a commandment. But it’s also a beautiful opportunity to reflect God’s love to the world around us.
What have you learned about biblical love today? How will you put it into practice? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s encourage one another in this journey of love.
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. And may He give you His peace, despite all our mistakes.
Amen.