The other night while looking through some different channels looking for the right program, you know you've been there, I stopped listening to a TV preacher speaking on the love of God. As I listened for a few minutes, it amazed me how the misuse of Scripture was used to build the God of heaven and earth into an idol! Yes, when people misuse Scripture to speak of Jehovah God they end up making their own idol they adore and worship. There was little understanding of God's love. Most of the lesson I heard was around mush and tears of emotional love which isn't God's love. The cross speaks to that!
There are two types of love (actually in the Greek there are four but only three are used in Scripture.) but the two types I am referring to is (1) natural love and (2) God's love. They aren't the same. Jesus showed it very plainly: "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them." (Luke 6:32) This kind of love does not need fellowship with God and it's where the majority live. Further proof? We love as long as the ones we love show us respect and kindness. The moment someone mistreats us, love it out the window and resentment or retaliation comes to the forefront.
The love of God is rooted in God, motivated by God, practiced like God even to those who hurt us. To love on this level proves your fellowship and relationship to God. Love is a commitment to the well being of another no matter what they do to you. Love is the fruit of our new birth. Love is eternal life at work in us and one who loves on this level proves they know God (I John 4:7-8). How many have we heard over the years quote Scripture and act religious but when things go awry watch their reactions and how they treat those who they have a problem with.
The love of God is sacrificial. It is not words spoken or passive. It is a manifested love (I John 4:9). We see it in God's investment in us, when we were His enemy. God wants us to live through Jesus. What does that mean? Love as He loves by sacrifice. Too many over the years have split families and the church by loveless actions. They get upset and off they run. What if God did that?
We need to learn to love as God loves. No limits, no excuses but sound, sacrificial love on behalf of others. When you find yourself wanting to blast another brother or sister in Christ, you need to look at the cross and see what Jesus has done and feels about them. If His love for you means anything, you will act upon His love for you toward them. And sometimes, when someone is in sin, you need to realize love doesn't embrace their sin. It rebukes in kindness trying to get them to repent but never treats them as an enemy. That's eternal life at work in you! And eternal life loves!!
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