The Excellent Way of Love – Part 4
As we continue our study from the 13th chapter of 1 Corinthians concerning love we must be reminded of the words of John, “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love” (1 John 4:8). “And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also” (1 John 4:21). John also wrote, “But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him” (1 John 2:5). It’s one thing to know something and altogether another to do or put into practice what you know. It was Jesus who said that we will be known as His, if we “have love for one another” (John 13:35). David said, “But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God. I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever” (Psa. 52:8 ESV). We cannot exist in Christ who is love, and not have love for one another, and for others. As we study this subject keep in mind, “…this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3). Truth is, the “way of love” is much easier than any other way.
Love, “bears all things” (1 Corinthians 13:7) I use the New King James most, but it is enlightening sometimes to consider other translations. For example, NIV has, “it always protects”; The NLT has, “Love never gives up”; CEV version has “Love is always supportive”; “there is nothing love cannot face” (NEB). All these translations do have one central theme, that is that love is able to stand up against anything that life throws your way. Let’s face it, life can be overwhelming, life can be harsh, and life can even be tragic. But, though life can be tough, even unbearable at times, those who live by the power of godly love will not turn to complaining, grumbling and bitterness. Under the banner of God’s love, we will be able to bravely withstand the trials of life. Consider what love does for the spirit within. Love enables us to endure all manner of adversity. For example, “Are they ministers of Christ?—I speak as a fool—I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. 24 From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; 26 in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 27 in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness— 28 besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches” (2 Cor. 11:23-28). Ok, we likely have never experienced the things Paul has. I know I have not. Yet, in all this, where was Paul’s focus, where was his mind, where was his love directed? He said after all these troubles, his great love, his deep love was for “all the churches”.
Too often we hear of some brethren who are “hurt” by some little thing, and instead of allowing love’s great power to guide them in the pathway of peace; Instead of just “bearing” it, too often they rant, and rave, jump and complain, and sometimes leave. To, “bear all things” is to be able to be attacked, suffer, take criticisms, even be beaten and just put up with it, and I might add, with a smile. James said, “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him” (James 1:24). Loving as God loves means loving under trials. Didn’t Jesus do that?
Loving this way will cause us to be less critical of one another. That is not to say we overlook error to a point of failing to correct when correction is needed. But that when correction is needed it will be done gently, with care, with love for the other, with intention to encourage, not to cut down. This kind of love will receive the harshest criticism condemnation and blame without striking back or “getting revenge”.
Whenever we live with this character trait of love, it will guide us in every form of conflict and trial, so that, it will be much easier to be humble towards others, than to magnify their faults. Of course, when we are close to someone it is easy to be loving. We all have a friend, or family member that we love. Think of how you react when some uncomplimentary things are said about them. Isn’t your first reaction to defend him? Certainly it is! This is how we act toward those we love. Just as Jesus commanded, “love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven;” (Matt. 5:44-45). Love is no respecter of persons.
There are times of course when it happens that they are in the wrong on some matter and when such is the case, we must stand up and be counted. The fact that love bears all things does not mean that love accepts all things. We cannot possess the character trait of love, to be able to bear all things, unless we also love the Lord our God more than anything else, period. Remember that love “Jesus”, brought a sword that at times will “…set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; 36 and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’ 37 He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me” (Matt. 10:34-37).
Love demands that we must count the cost and that means to be willing to leave all to follow Christ. Jesus said, “…whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:33). The cost is to develop so much love for God, that your love for everyone is the same in character as God’s love for you. How has God treated you? The way you deserved, or the way of love? Didn’t God “bear all things” concerning you?
“…what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, 13 and to keep the commandments of the Lord and His statutes which I command you today for your good?” (Deut. 10:12-13).
God’s love bears all things.
As always, in Love
Dave Scarpino
Our faithful Creator is worthy to be praised in this assembly. All praise to Him who reigns above in majesty supreme! He gave His Son to die, for all mankind, that He might redeem all. Our blessed Redeemer suffered and died for our sins and is now risen and sitting at the right hand of God as Head of the church. Let us offer the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, knowing that He is the author of eternal salvation to all those who obey Him. (Hebrews 5:8-9) “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!” (Isaiah 6:3)