"With Love": The Forgotten Command in Christian Living
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As I reflect on my own walk with Christ and observe the broader Christian community, I notice a recurring issue that seems to undermine our witness and unity: forgetting to act "with love." The Bible commands us to do many things, but it frequently emphasizes that these actions should be done with love. Sadly, in today's fast-paced and often divisive world, this essential component is sometimes overlooked, leading to misunderstandings, conflicts, and even hate. In this post, I want to explore what the Bible says about doing things with love and the consequences of neglecting this command.
The Centrality of Love in Christian Doctrine
Love is not just a part of Christian teaching; it is central to it. Jesus summarized the Law and the Prophets with two commandments: loving God and loving our neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40). He also gave His disciples a new commandment to love one another as He has loved us (John 13:34-35). This love is not merely a feeling but a guiding principle for all actions.
The Apostle Paul emphasizes the supremacy of love in his letters. In 1 Corinthians 13, often referred to as the "Love Chapter," Paul declares that without love, all our actions are meaningless: "If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal" (1 Corinthians 13:1). He further explains that love is patient, kind, and not easily angered, reminding us that our actions should reflect these qualities.
Commands Accompanied by Love
Throughout Scripture, various commands are accompanied by the call to love. For example:
Speak the Truth with Love: Ephesians 4:15 instructs us to "speak the truth in love." This means that while we are called to uphold and proclaim the truth, it must be done in a way that is loving and compassionate. Too often, Christians can fall into the trap of using the truth as a weapon, rather than a tool for healing and reconciliation.
Serve One Another with Love: Galatians 5:13 encourages believers to "serve one another humbly in love." Service is a core Christian value, but it loses its power if not motivated by love. Acts of service, when done out of obligation or for recognition, can become burdensome or self-serving. True service, however, is an expression of love that seeks the good of others above oneself.
Correct with Love: In 2 Timothy 2:25, Paul advises correcting opponents "with gentleness." This is crucial in a world where disagreements can quickly escalate into hostility. Correction, when done with love, aims to restore rather than condemn. It acknowledges the worth of the person being corrected and seeks their growth and well-being.
The Consequences of Forgetting Love
Neglecting the command to act with love can have serious consequences. When Christians forget to love, their actions can be perceived as judgmental, hypocritical, or even hateful. This not only damages relationships but also harms the witness of the Church.
Division and Strife: Without love, differences of opinion can lead to division rather than constructive dialogue. James 4:1 asks, "What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?" When love is absent, selfish desires and pride can take over, leading to conflict.
Loss of Witness: Jesus said that the world would know we are His disciples by our love for one another (John 13:35). When Christians fail to love, they fail to represent Christ accurately to the world. This not only tarnishes the image of the Church but can also turn people away from the faith.
Spiritual Stagnation: Without love, our spiritual practices can become empty rituals. 1 John 4:20 warns, "Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar." Genuine love for God must be expressed in our relationships with others. Without it, our faith becomes shallow and ineffective.
A Call to Action: Cultivating Love in All Things
To counteract these issues, we must intentionally cultivate love in all our actions. This starts with understanding that love is a choice and a commitment, not just an emotion. It involves:
Self-Reflection: Regularly examining our motives and attitudes. Are we acting out of love or self-interest? Are we quick to judge or quick to forgive?
Prayer: Asking God to fill our hearts with His love and to help us see others through His eyes. This is crucial for developing a compassionate and empathetic attitude.
Practice: Deliberately practicing acts of love, even when it is difficult. This could be through kind words, acts of service, or simply being present for someone in need.
Community: Surrounding ourselves with a community that encourages and models love. Hebrews 10:24-25 urges believers to spur one another on toward love and good deeds and to not give up meeting together.
Recommended Books to Further Study the Subject
Romans 13:10 encapsulates the essence of Christian teaching: "Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law." As Christians, we are called to embody this love in every aspect of our lives. It is not enough to merely follow commands or doctrines; we must infuse them with love. In doing so, we reflect the character of Christ and offer a compelling witness to the world.
In a time when the world often associates Christianity with judgment rather than love, let us be intentional in our efforts to love others as Christ loves us. Let us remember that every command we follow and every truth we uphold must be done with love, for without it, we are nothing. By embracing this call to love, we not only fulfill the law but also transform lives, including our own.
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