“Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord. "BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:9-21 NAS
It is very easy to talk about loving people who love us, or at least like us. In February, even our culture is filled with chatter and chocolates that promote love, but in a world of mixed messages we must listen to what God has to say about love. We are told several times in 1 John chapter 4 that God is love. Jesus confirmed that the greatest commandment is to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and love our neighbor as ourselves. (Luke 10:27) then telling us, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34 NIV) And this is just one example of how Jesus has loved us, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)
The command is clear, we “must” love one another, even those who vehemently disagree with us, even those who threaten us, those who do not believe in God or abide in or by His Word. There is no biblical exemption from love because Jesus tells us to, “bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” (Luke 6:28) We are not their judge; we are not to stand on the streets hurling insults and threats at them through a bullhorn. We are commanded to speak Truth in LOVE. We are commanded to esteem others more highly than ourselves, (Phil.2:3) to pray for them, treat them as we want to be treated. (Luke 6:31)
We share all of these Scriptures with you because this is what God commands in His Word. We all have opinions and preferences that divide us and cause divisiveness among us. Jesus tells us, house, a city, a nation divided cannot stand, but when we believe and behave according to God’s Word we are standing on firm ground. When our behavior abides and aligns with the Bible we cannot be convicted as haters or hypocrites.
We must be prayerful and careful not to be pulled into a fool’s fight, arguing in anger, slinging judgement and using the Sword of the Spirit to kill and destroy but to bring love, light and life. We must pray without ceasing from a heart where love is ever increasing.
Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us. Thank You that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Holy Spirit, please strengthen us with fruitfulness to pour out prayer in love, biblical love, the love of Jesus that the hurting and hopeless need to experience. Help us to speak and show love that draws others to You and not attitudes, words or deeds that push them away from You. Please forgive me where I have fallen short, when I have returned evil for evil, hurt for hurt, giving them a piece of my mind instead of Your heart. We pour out our hearts to You now on behalf of those who oppose You, Your Word and Your people. We pray that they would come to a loving relationship with You and be saved. We pray Your abounding blessings over them as Your loving will draws them to You and fills their days with Your goodness. We pray we will always be known for living out Your love as Your children and disciples. In the love-filled name of Jesus we pray, Amen!
Serving Him with gladness,
Kathy Branzell
President