Love is supposed to be the defining characteristic of all Christians. Jesus told us that his children would be identified by this important trait. They would be people of "Love". No other single quality is so critical to the definition of "what is a Christian?" as this component of Love. It is the chief thing in Christian ethics. |
-1John 4: 7-21
"Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another" Romans 12: 9-10
"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another" John 13: 34-35.
Romans 15:4-7 puts it this way... "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God". Notice these important words..."Wherefore receive ye one another as Christ also received us".
"To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
-Titus 3: 2
Love can work to diffuse any situation, but you have to try it for it to work. God knows what is best. He knows how all these things work, and if you try it you will find it to be absolutely true. All human psychology was designed to work the way God planned it. The mind, emotions and will of all men, are designed to be controlled by the Holy Spirit, and when they are(?) Love will be manifested. This is our great identifying mark as God's children. Anybody can see it and be moved by the great power of this kind of pervasive love.
©2014 Earl Jackson All rights reserved.
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