WHAT DOES LOVE LOOK LIKE?
In Matthew 22:37-39 Jesus said we were to love the Lord God with all our heart, soul and mind. And the second commandment was to love your neighbor as yourself. Wait Jesus didn't stop there in John 13:34-35 He told His disciples He was given a new commandment that we should love one another as He loves us and then all will know you are My disciples (that includes us) if we love one another. Wait, Wait there is more in Romans 13:10 it is written that love does no harm to his neighbor therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law. Wait let's go to 1 John 2:9 it is written that whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. But what does love look like then open up James 2:14-17 and he starts speaking about a brother or sister in need and if we have the means to help then we help. Right here I will add some insight that many of us have been putting into practice within our church fellowship; when we cannot on our own meet the entire need, then we enlist the help of others and we give according to our ability and God gives the increase. It is not the sole responsibility for the establishment of the church to meet every need in the body, but for the body of believers to come together, first out of our love for God then out of our love for one another. Love always puts action behind it. Love does not slander, or gossip, or criticize someone else. And of course what we find in 1 Corinthians chapter 13, in picture below
The Bible, the Word and Heart of God is written for the believer, so when we see or hear the words brethren, brother or sister it is speaking of the Ekklesia, the whole body of believers. There are scriptures that teach us and tell us to love our enemy and that we shall also look at. But first let's look at the Love of God for All:
Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 12:9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
FOOTNOTE: God is not saying He loves the world's value system, but He loves mankind. We are the pearl of great price that Jesus spoke of in the parable. Jesus came to save ALL who would receive His gift of salvation, but ALL do not accept His gift of eternal life.
1 John 3:16 By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
FOOTNOTE: Look at how that verse ties in with John 3:16. When Jesus came 100% Man and 100% Deity, He came surrendered to His Father's will out of His love for His Father and His love for mankind. In verse 17 in 1 John it tells again, as we have read before, that whoever has the ability to meet the need of his brother but shuts up his heart from them and their need, how does the love of God abide in him. Think about that and go read this, this is not a complete quote but written in my words. When one who has plenty is not willing to help another meet their need then where is God's Agape Love in them? Go back to Acts, where the early church had all things in common and no one did without.
1John 3:18 My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth
1 John 4:7-8 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves us born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love
1 John 4:17 Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgement; because as He is so are we in this world.
FOOTNOTE: His love matures in us. When the love of God is in us and working through us we will see: 1. Obedience to God's word 2. Faith will be seen in our lives and 3. Love will be active in our lives.
Romans 12:9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Romans 12:13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works
Hebrews 13:1 Let brotherly love continue
So many more scriptures about love would be a good word study for those who enjoy that kind of study. Tolerance and love are not the same thing; we are brothers and sisters in Christ, family, and family loves irregardless of our personalities, we forgive and we do not carry an offense. We pray for one another, we encourage one another, we lift up and not tear down, we come together to help meet needs that come up, we have each other's backs. Amen
Now Jesus told us in Matthew 5:45 that we are to love our enemies. You do realize our enemy doesn't have to be someone we don't know but in fact, can be a friend, a brother or sister in Christ, even a family member.
We simply show grace and mercy to the one who has made themselves our enemy. We pray and if we have done wrong we humble ourselves and ask for forgiveness. And we just love without any expectations.
Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peacefully with all men.
FOOTNOTE: Many may make themselves our enemy but we should never make ourselves an enemy to anyone
Hebrews 12:14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.
What about the lost, the unbeliever, well I will simply say this; love them, show them the light of Christ in you, be kind, but never compromise our core biblical values. We can love without condoning their lifestyle. Be love and light in a dark world filled with hate, evil and darkness.
That's all I got, love you ❤️❤️
