"The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." - Galatians 5:6
Is that what you believe? Really? I have quoted Dr Tackett from the Truth Project many times in the past. He asked the question, "Do you believe that what you believe is really real?" Or is it a "pie in the sky" notion that gives you a "warm and fuzzy feeling, but has little to do with how you live your life? Is that where your faith is in your order of priorities for your life? Number 1 in the order of things? But Paul did not stop there. The natural expression of faith is love. Love for God and love for others. And how is that expressed? Well, by putting yourself last in the order of priorities.
"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command." - John 15:12-14
Jesus said that our mandate is to love others sacrificially. The "pecking order" is God - others - me or you. So often we look for reciprocity in our relationships with others. You love me and I will love you. That is not what Jesus said to do.
"But I [Jesus] tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." - Matthew 5:44-48
We are to love the way God loves. We cannot do that through determination but by being submitted to God. Laying down our life and natural affections to the glory of God and the good of others. And if the extent of you love is limited to your social circle - you have missed the point. With that attitude you will never cross the road. If you think that it is too hard to do what Jesus asks of us - you are correct. But that is why Paul wrote -
"I can do all this through him [Jesus] who gives me strength." - Philippians 4:13
Like Peter walking on the water.
Christmas is a time for us to remember the magnitude of God's love for us with the advent of the Messiah. My appeal is not that you resolve to love others more. Rather it is an appeal to love God more. And when you do, the spiritual result is that you will love others more. It's about the cross.
https://youtu.be/aKmUQHhyYwEThink about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.
By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone
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