Category: Love

In Galatians 5 the apostle Paul describes the conflict between the lust of the flesh and the fruit that is developed in the child of God as we grow and mature, heeding the Spirit of God. Noting the works of the flesh first, (19-21), we will in this lesson describe and define the fruit of the Spirit, listed in verses (22-23). This is important, for in this context Paul assures us to, “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh” (16).

Love

The Greek word agape  is the word that Paul uses here.  It is uniquely used in the New Testament to describe the highest expression of love for others. It is an unselfish love, motivated and informed as to what is best for others.  For example, “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” (John 3:16). It is the type of love we should have for God (John 4:15); for our brethren (1 John 2); for our wives (Ephesians 5:25); and even for our enemies (Matthew 5:44). It is not surprising that this heads Paul’s list. A love for God and for man is the basis of God’s expectations for us as we serve Him (Matthew 22:36-40). Continue reading “The Fruit of the Spirit” →

Peter here calls for love of your brethren in Christ. Not just any love — love that is sincere (unhypocritical) and pure (singular, without any corrupting influence).

The reason Peter gives for this love is a response to our redemption through Jesus Christ. Being “born again.” Here though, he emphasizes the gospel of Jesus Christ, a gospel that he describes as “the word of God which lives and abides forever.”

This word is the incorruptible (imperishable) seed that brings about conversion. Paul agrees with this assessment saying in Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.”

Put in a nutshell: God has delivered for us the perfect vehicle to save us. The death, burial and resurrection His only begotten Son! As this is proclaimed, it brings faith to men, and salvation. As we receive this great gift, our response must be love for one another!

Here James continues his denunciation of the showing of partiality. Prosperity was the basis of separation in this context. James showed the foolishness of dishonoring the poor man by pointing out that God had chosen the poor of the world to be “rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom” (5).

In contrast, the rich often are the cause of our own oppression. How peculiar it is for us to court those who have no concern or care for us.  And yet, it is a typical thing both then and now.

In verses 8 and 9 of the text, James makes a typical application of the call God makes to love one another. He refers to it as the “royal law according to the scripture” and notes that it is required by God. It is in fact, that upon which the entire law of God hangs (cf. Matthew 22:40).

So to show partiality (racism, ageism, sexism, disdain for the poor, etc.) is to show a lack of love. This is a violation of God’s commands, and convicts a Christian of sin against Him.

A favorite turn of phrase by John in his first epistle is “by this”, the NKJ version’s interpretation of the Greek preposition “en”. For example:

“Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments” (1 John 2:3). The Greek word is translated “hereby”, “in this”, “this is how” in other translations. The Christian Standard Bible makes the meaning plain, though the construction is awkward, “This is how we know that we know Him: if we keep His commandments.”  The amplified Bible (more of a commentary) explains it well. “And this is how we know [daily, by experience] that we have come to know Him [to understand Him and be more deeply acquainted with Him]: if we habitually keep [focused on His precepts and obey] His commandments (teachings). So, the idea is that the Greek preposition “en” is the means by which something is accomplished (in this case knowing). If we keep God’s commandments, we can know that we have a personal relationship with God. Continue reading “By This…” →

Paul establishes 3 simple points in this short text:

1. He greatly desired to be with the Thessalonians. This was Paul’s motivation in his work. He established churches in many places, and desired to revisit the locations to encourage and strengthen the brethren. Everything that Paul did was for others, whether the lost, or his precious brethren. His own life and comfort was always secondary to his ministry.
2. Satan was real to Paul (and should be to us). Through the Spirit’s inspiration he attributed his absence to the work of the Adversary. Not surprising as Paul’s effectiveness was a great force against the Devil’s work. Remember the wiles and efforts of the devil to condemn us! (cf. 1 Peter 5:8).
3. The value of the Thessalonians was inestimable to Paul. How about you and I? We too must love one another! “For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another” (1 John 3:11).

Paul wrote about our reconciliation in Romans 5.  That reconciliation is accomplished through the grace extended by God as a demonstration of His love for man. It was that love that compelled God to send His son to die for us. In order for reconciliation to come, it was necessary for us to be justified through His blood, and forgiven by God. “And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation” (5:11).

Love can and should be expressed in a myriad of ways. One such expression (in reflecting God Himself) is through forgiveness.  “My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18). Forgiveness is an action (deed) that comes naturally toward those we love. Less naturally, to strangers or enemies. This difference is explained through that link between forgiveness and love.  As God is our supreme example, the Christian should be more gracious and expansive in his willingness to forgive.  “We love Him because He first loved us. If someone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also” (1 John 4:19-21). Continue reading “Forgiveness” →

The text calls for us to have the same mind (will) as Christ.  The decision He made: to leave heaven, come to earth as a man, and humble Himself to the point of death on the cross shows clearly our Lord’s mind regarding others. He was motivated by love and selflessness. Jesus once said, “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (John 15:12-13). We can’t do for Him what He did for us, so in His next breath he said, “You are My friends if you do whatever I command you” (John 15:14). Unfortunately too many are too selfish or indifferent to do even this for their Lord.

God celebrated and rewarded the sacrifice of Jesus through His resurrection and exaltation. It is as a result of this exaltation that Jesus has become the appointed judge for all mankind. In the day of judgment, every knee will bow and confess Him as Lord.

So, yes, we need the same mind which was in Christ Jesus!

Paul had a problem to solve when he wrote his personal appeal to Philemon. Philemon had a slave, the slave had become a Christian and was helpful to Paul, but Paul knew it would be wrong to impose his desire regarding the slave, Onesimus, without Philemon’s permission.

How was the problem solved? By all three men acting selflessly. Paul deferred to Philemon, Philemon deferred to Paul, Onesimus deferred to both men. All showed love, humility, selflessness, and the brotherhood that is seen in Christ. A circumstance that was fraught with potential tension and conflict was resolved because of the Christian attitudes that existed and were acted upon.

No doubt you, (as do I), have a problem with slavery. This article is not about that. It is noting this truth: You can make laws, compel or shame —  however, if one is not of a mind to treat others with love and selflessness, problems follow.

Instead, the way of the Lord is love, service and sacrifice. It is selflessness. If that is the way we all act, then God’s desires will be upheld and served.

This is the solution, though many refuse to follow it. This is the way of God, and should be our practice as well. Think about it.

The Old Testament taught a harsh form of justice, especially under certain circumstances. For example, if two men fight, with the pregnant wife of one man losing her child,  Exodus 21:23-25 states, “then you shall give life for live, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.”

Things are different under the New Covenant.  That doesn’t mean that the civil government does not have a responsibility to impose punishment (sometimes harsh) upon the evildoer.  “Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake” (Romans 13:2-5). Continue reading “Old Fashioned Punishment” →

A discussion of Ephesians 5:22-23, noting Paul’s obligations to the wife (submission) and the husband (love) in the text.

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An examination of the text of 2 John, with applications.

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In Ephesians 5:1-4, Paul contrasts a walk in love with certain sins. Just as Christ loved us and gave Himself for us, we should have a selfless love for others.

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Paul wrote to Titus, “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us…” (Titus 3:11-12a). It is a simple principle. God has granted His great mercy to us, and we are so blessed by this extended grace. We learn from this largesse that He loves us, He is good, He is omnipotent, He is eternal.  Knowing Him by His grace, we are aware of our own obligations to be who He desires for us to be. Consider the following: Continue reading “Grace Teaches Us” →

As we previously pointed our in verses1-7, Paul had a great love for the Thessalonians which led to his ministry to them.  The though continues in these verses, as he declares his affection, and his willingness even to die in his efforts to share with them the “gospel of God.”

The Thessalonians were well aware of Paul’s efforts, as he had labored diligently among them.  Further, his secular worked was a testament to his love, so that he would not be a financial burden to the brethren there. (Though note, such support was certainly scripturally defensible, cf. 1 Timothy 5:18).

But Paul, in every way wanted only to benefit his brethren. Thus he always acted in a way to protect his reputation, that his work of ministry would not be hindered.  He acted, “devoutly and justly and blamelessly” among them.

Paul’s concern was not for himself — only for them! His hope for them was a worthy walk, and an eternal reward.

I just finished reading an article on my phone from USA TODAY titled, “Americans are become less religious. None more than this group.” The emphasis of the article was the departure of many from Christianity (especially younger people), and the fact that for the first time in American history, more women are leaving their faith than men.

Two statistics from the survey: Those who nominally identify as Christians in America  are 63%, down from 90% in the early 1990’s.  Second, “Among generation Z, however, the pattern has flipped (regarding men and women leaving their childhood faith): 54% of those who’d left the church are female. Meanwhile, nearly four in 10 Gen Z women identify as religious unaffiliated, compared to a third of Gen Z males. Continue reading “Women Leaving the Church” →