Good day
In the previous message we took a look at the following question, " What standard of love should we use?" and we ended off by saying that the standard with which we're expected to love others is reflecting on how God loves us and loving others the same way. This reflection should make us realise that if love is of God (1 John 4:7-11), then His love towards us should serve as the benchmark with which we should love others.
In the below passage Jesus defines what this love looks like - a measure of love that He demonstrated by laying down His life for us on the cross - and that we in turn would love others the same way.
John 15:12-13 (AMP)
This is My commandment, that you love and unselfishly seek the best for one another, just as I have loved you. No one has greater love [nor stronger commitment] than to lay down his own life for his friends.
Now we may not be required to offer up our lives as a substitute for someone else, as Jesus did for us, but there are some practical examples of how this can play itself out in our day to day activities as we choose to engage with those around us - and whilst there may be many practical examples of what this can look like and we can list all the wonderful things someone could do for another, I believe that for the purpose of this message, the Holy Spirit wants me to focus more so on having the right approach/heart attitude. You see, we wouldn't need to focus on achieving a list of do's and don'ts if we approach others with the right heart attitude to begin with.
As we yield to the love of God, we'll begin to see an improvement in our interest towards those around us, we'll become more accommodating and accepting of others, we'll have compassion, sympathy, seek to live in harmony, show kindness, gentleness, patience and forgiveness (see below scriptures). All of these reflect the right heart attitude when it comes to how we engage and treat those around this. This is developed by yielding to the Holy Spirit and allowing the love of God to develop in our lives:
Philippians 2:3-4
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit [through factional motives, or strife], but with [an attitude of] humility [being neither arrogant nor self-righteous], regard others as more important than yourselves. Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.
1 Peter 3:8
Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.
Romans 12:10
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Romans 12:16
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Colossians 3:12-14
So, as God’s own chosen people, who are holy [set apart, sanctified for His purpose] and well-beloved [by God Himself], put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience [which has the power to endure whatever injustice or unpleasantness comes, with good temper]; bearing graciously with one another, and willingly forgiving each other if one has a cause for complaint against another; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so should you forgive. Beyond all these things put on and wrap yourselves in [unselfish] love, which is the perfect bond of unity [for everything is bound together in agreement when each one seeks the best for others]
If we can approach those around us with the right heart attitude, one developed in the love of God, then the right words and actions will automatically follow. It's therefore a good idea to take a moment to reflect on these passages and make an assessment of where our heart is at:
Do we take a sincere, genuine, interest in others - or do we only do so if we want to get something out of them?
Do we take the time to ask others how they're doing - can we be trusted with any personal information they may share with us or do we immediately gossip about them?
Do we show compassion ... Are we known for being compassionate?
Are we quick to take offence and hold a grudge towards others?
Do we put ourselves in the "shoes" of the other person or are we quick to judge?
What is our measure of acceptance? Have we agreed to love ALL ... or only a few?
What has our reaction been towards those who don't see things the way we do? Has our attitude changed towards them because of this? Do we continue to show love and acceptance or have we judged them and pushed them aside?
Do we value the relationship more than the need to be right?
How much value do we place on relationships - is it based upon whether we're the same race, gender, age bracket, same socio-economic background, cultural beliefs, religion, church denomination, etc. Or is it based on how much God has forgiven, accepted and loves us ... and loving others the same way?
I believe the below passage really challenges this thought process because it raises the bar when it comes to seeking to love others by God's standard of love - and not our own:
Luke 6:27-36 (NLT)
“But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also. Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don’t try to get them back. Do to others as you would like them to do to you. If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them! And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much! And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, why should you get credit? Even sinners will lend to other sinners for a full return. “Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.
I'm sure there are many more self-reflecting questions one can extract from the above scriptures, and others just like them. I believe it's important to do so because it shows us where we fall short and it allows the Holy Spirit to highlight those areas in our lives that need an adjustment, so that we come humbly before Him, depending on Him, and relying on His ability to love those around us. Amen
Another reason why this is so important - (and this just as a side note to this series) - is that it helps with making friends and building relationships - and it's through these relationships that we're able to invite these people to church, offer to pray for them, encourage them, allow God to work through us to be a blessing in their lives (in any way required) ... Without the simple act of loving others (taking an interest in others, etc.) - we potentially hinder an opportunity to allow God to work through us in order to reach them with His love.
In the next message we'll take a look at some of the ways we can develop in the area of walking in love.