Love - The Foundation of Christian Faith and Relationships

Love is the very essence of God's nature and the cornerstone of Christian living. It begins with an emotional feeling, followed by a deliberate choice, and is outworked in practical action for the benefit of others. Unlike lust, which demands instant self-centred gratification, love considers the long-term, exercises self-discipline, and puts the needs of others before one's own.

The Nature of God's Love

"God is love" – it is His very nature, who He is at the core of His being (1 Jn 4:7-8,16). He demonstrated this love practically when Jesus died in our place, that we might receive eternal life instead of forever suffering for our sins (Jn 3:16; Rom 5:8). God's love is unconditional and constantly reaching out to us – He loves us too much to leave us in our sin and waywardness.

God felt rejected many times by the nation of Israel. He repeatedly said they committed spiritual adultery by worshipping foreign gods (Hos 1:2, 3:1, 4:12). "How often I would have gathered you together as a hen gathers her chickens together, but you would not" (Mt 23:37). Jesus continued to love His disciples, knowing one would betray Him, another would deny Him, and each would desert Him. In love, He remains committed to us, knowing that we too will fail many times. God loves us – not always for what we do, but for who we are, His own creation.

				God proved His love for us when Jesus died in our place – John 3:16; Romans 5:8
			

All things work for the good of those who love God, with nothing separating us from His love (Rom 8:28,35-39). Love is a fruit of the Spirit which results from our relationship with Christ (Gal 5:22). God rewards those who honour Him, preparing magnificent things for those that love Him (1 Sam 2:30; Mt 10:37-39, 19:27-30; 1 Cor 2:9).

Loving God and Others

The greatest commandment states, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength" (Mk 12:30). Jesus said, "If you love me, you will obey what I command" (Jn 14:15). Love should be the motivating compulsion to obey, not fear of punishment. Because His nature is to love, God has a greater affinity with those who reciprocate by doing as He asks – this proves our love is genuine (Jn 14:21,23-24; 1 Jn 5:1-3; 2 Jn 1:6).

The second commandment is to "Love your neighbour as yourself" (Mk 12:31). Our neighbour is anyone in need, and when we have the resources to help, we should do so (Lk 10:29-37). If we love our neighbour as ourselves, we won't harm them but actively work to see their needs met (Rom 13:9). The love of God reaching out to us should motivate us to share the good news with others and be involved in good works (1 Pet 1:22; 1 Jn 4:11-12).

If you love Jesus, do what He says – John 14:15

We are to love our fellow man – this is the preeminent sign that a person loves God. "For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen" (Rom 13:8-10; 1 Jn 2:9-11, 3:10-11, 4:7-21). This love calls for action, not just words, ministering with impartiality even to those we would rather shun (Jas 2:8-9; 1 Jn 3:18). Jesus said, "Don't just love those who love you, but love your enemies and pray for them" (Mt 5:44-48). The golden rule is to "Do as you would like done to you" (Lk 6:31).

Love in Action and Self-Worth

Jesus showed the full extent of His love to the disciples by washing their feet, and stated, "I have set you an example that you should do as I have done... A new command I give to you. Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. All men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another" (Jn 13:1-17,34-35, 15:9,12). Those who have been forgiven much will have a greater love (Lk 7:41-43,47).

Our lives will be enriched and blessed as we practice love (Prov 21:21). Love initiates and maintains relationships by being other-focused and giving. The Christian loves others because they see Christ in them (Mt 25:40). Love's commitment is to stand with others through crisis (Rom 12:10). Love is prepared to confront, give tough advice and discipline (Prov 3:11-12, 13:24; Eph 6:1-4; Heb 12:6-11; Rev 3:19). We are to speak the truth in love, yet love is no substitute for truth (Eph 4:15,25).

Without love all else is useless – 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

Love of self is not selfishness; it comes from a mature, balanced, healthy perspective of who we are in Christ and the infinite love He has for us (Gal 2:20; 1 Jn 3:1, 4:10; Rev 1:5). From that secure base of self-worth, we can love others as God requires (Rom 13:8-10). It is impossible to love our neighbour as ourselves unless we have a correct value of ourselves. Likewise, we can't love God properly while harbouring hatred for someone (1 Jn 4:20-5:2). It is the Holy Spirit's love, given to us, that removes fear of both God and people (2 Tim 1:7; 1 Jn 2:8-10).

We are instructed not to love the world or its values, for these will be destroyed (1 Jn 2:15-17). God challenges us to give up our desires, take up our cross and follow Him – for some, this comes at the cost of their lives, choosing to remain faithful rather than deny Him (Lk 9:23; Rev 12:11).

Love is so important that the Bible says the only debt we should have is the continuing debt to love one another (Rom 13:8; 1 Cor 13:1-8). "Do everything in love" (1 Cor 16:14). Although "love covers a multitude of sins" and keeps no record of wrongs, this does not mean ignoring serious issues that hurt people – these must be confronted for everyone's benefit (1 Pet 4:8). Rather, this is a loving tolerance and forgiveness to overlook minor personal offences. The Bible commands, "Husbands, love your wives..." (Eph 5:25,28,33).

Does love motivate me?

Reflection and Application:

Do I express in words and actions my love for God and others, or is my love merely sentimental?
Am I motivated to obey God out of love for Him, or from fear of punishment?
Do I love those who are difficult to love, including my enemies, as Jesus commanded?
Is there anyone I am holding a grudge against, preventing me from truly loving them as God requires?