Tag: Love one another

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God’s Love Wins (Part 1)

Summary of my sermon, based on 1 John 4:7-12. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on March 26, 2023.

Love is a concept that is often misunderstood and misapplied in today’s world. We use the same word to express our devotion to our spouse and our fondness for a slice of pizza. This confusion is further exacerbated by the popular phrase “Love is Love,” which tends to elevate love to the status of a deity. In this blog post, we will explore the proper understanding of love in light of the biblical teachings and address the dangers of idolizing love. By refocusing our love on God and embracing His perfect love, we can navigate the complexities of love in a world of distortion.

God is Love

The Apostle John, in his letter, presents one of the most profound affirmations about God’s nature: “God is love” (1 John 4:7-8 ESV). While there are other “God is” statements in the Bible, this one holds special significance. It emphasizes that love is not an abstract idea but an integral part of God’s character. However, we must not reduce God to a single assertion but embrace the complete picture of who He is.

It is essential to understand that God’s love does not negate His righteous judgment. Psalm 11:7 reminds us that God loves righteous deeds and is righteous Himself. Without judgment, God would be indifferent to sin and its consequences. The notion that “Love Wins” and everyone, regardless of their beliefs, will enter heaven contradicts the teachings of Scripture. The judgment is necessary, as seen in John 3:18-20, where those who reject Jesus face condemnation because they love darkness rather than the light.

God’s Love Displayed on the Cross

The manifestation of God’s love is revealed through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ (1 John 4:9-10). The cross becomes the avenue for God’s righteous judgment and His ultimate act of love. 1 Peter 2:24 emphasizes that Jesus bore our sins on the cross, bringing forgiveness and healing. Attempts to rewrite hymns or diminish the wrath of God poured out on Jesus undermine the significance of His sacrifice and the depth of God’s love.

God’s love is perfected when we love one another

As recipients of God’s love, we are called to love one another (1 John 4:11-12). Galatians 5:13-15 urges us to serve one another through love, fulfilling the law’s requirement to love our neighbors. Romans 12:9-13 encourages us to show genuine love, honor one another, and contribute to the needs of fellow believers. Our love for others becomes a tangible expression of God’s love dwelling within us.

Love is a powerful and complex concept that is often misunderstood and misapplied in our world. Elevating love to the ultimate can lead to idolatry and distort the true nature of God. Instead, we must anchor our understanding of love in the biblical teachings and the person of God Himself. By recognizing that God is love, along with His other attributes, we gain a more complete picture of who He is. Let us refocus our love on God, embracing His perfect love, and allowing it to shape our relationships with others. As we live out God’s love, we become vessels through which His love is manifested in the world.

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A Christian’s Love Life

Summary of my sermon, based on 1 John 3:11-18. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on February 26, 2023.

Japan, known for its reputation of friendliness, often confuses politeness with genuine friendliness. However, behind the facade, Japan can be an unfriendly place, evidenced by the rising rates of loneliness and unattended deaths. In a society where indifference can prevail, the call to love and serve one another becomes crucial.

The “ethic of reciprocity” is a principle found in various religions and cultures. While most versions express the negative form of “do not do to others what you don’t want done to yourself,” Jesus presents it positively: “do to others what you would have them do to you.” However, it is important to consider the full context of this teaching, as it sums up the Law and the Prophets.

Love One Another

Jesus emphasizes the command to love one another as a significant test of discipleship. The phrase “love your neighbor as yourself” complements the Golden Rule, extending beyond passive avoidance of harm to active love and service. The ethic of reciprocity sets a low bar, whereas Jesus calls us to a higher standard.

The message heard from the beginning, which encompasses the Gospel, emphasizes the call to love one another. Love becomes the outpouring of the Gospel, a mark of discipleship, and a reflection of God’s love for the world. It is not just an intellectual belief but a heartfelt action rooted in the message of salvation.

John links love for others with the assurance of eternal life. By demonstrating love for our brothers and sisters, we bear witness to our transformed lives. John contrasts this with the negative example of Cain, emphasizing that hatred and murder are incompatible with the eternal life found in Christ.

Serve One Another

Following Jesus’ example of sacrificial love, we are called to lay down our lives for one another. Love is demonstrated through service, going beyond mere words to tangible deeds. This sacrificial love is illustrated by Christ’s ultimate sacrifice for humanity while we were still sinners.

Jesus emphasizes that love involves sacrificial service. The command to love one another is coupled with the highest form of love—a willingness to lay down one’s life for friends. Christ’s death for sinners exemplifies the depth of God’s love, serving as a model for our love towards others.

Love is not confined to words alone; it requires practical action. We are called to bear one another’s burdens and generously share what we have. Such acts of service and generosity align with the law of Christ and please God.

While the “ethic of reciprocity” provides a baseline for human interaction, Jesus sets a higher standard through the command to love one another. Love becomes the outpouring of the Gospel, assurance of eternal life, and a call to sacrificial service. In a world marked by loneliness and indifference, let us embrace the transformative power of love, fulfilling the commandments of Christ and reflecting God’s love to others.