Christianity 101 – Love. Part I
Written by: Kathy Curry
There are so many times when we as Christians put down our Christianity when it is convenient, and pick it back up when it is convenient. There are parts of the bible that we ignore and bypass in order to satisfy our flesh and do the things we want. And we all do it, or have done it, at some point in our life. I question how we expect to please God when we live our lives this way. I ask myself; is God more displeased with the “Christian” that lives this way, knowing to do right but shirking the things he chooses not to do, or the one that isn’t even trying to live a “Christian” life, but knows he should. I hear what you are saying, both are wrong. God simply wants us to do the right thing.
Let’s talk about what I consider to be the number one topic of Christianity 101 and also, what I believe should be, the first principle of life: loving one another. I am always amazed when I hear proclaimed Christians say, they don’t like someone. I am more amazed when I hear them say, they don’t have a reason. I realize, all personalities don’t click and some people are more comfortable for us to be around than others, but to blatantly dislike someone, without having a reason, and not have love for them is Christianity 101, WRONG!
The bible clearly speaks about love over and over and over. I am of the belief that the reason it is dealt with so much is because of our seemingly natural instinct not to love. But how can we not love when God so clearly spells out what he expects of us in His word concerning love!? Here are just a few compelling scriptures, in the new international version, for easier understanding.
The bible says:
John 13:34 – “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
John 13:35 – By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Romans 12:10 – Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Romans 13:8 – Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.
Galatians 5:13 – You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.
Ephesians 4:2 – Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
I have not even begun to scratch the surface with this list! There are so many places within the bible that instructs us to love. He didn’t put stipulations on it. He just says love.
It is clear, although we claim to want to be like Christ, our actions say different. Why won’t we just love? He did soooo very much to prove His love for us and He continues to show us His love. But we have this reason, and that excuse, and a loophole, and a free pass to forego all of His instructions and not do His will. Or at least we think we do. But none of those things fly when it comes to disobeying His word. So tell me, where does not doing His will leave us? Better yet, which direction will not doing His will take us?
I plan for Christianity 101 become a reoccurring bible class topic, at least once a month. This week’s topic on loving one another will probably have at least three parts to it before moving on. It’s a heavy topic, with several angles and issues I think we need to cover. Let’s begin talking about this but before you post your comment, ask yourself, am I doing one of the simplest (or is it simple for you?) things Christ could ask of me, do I love…?
June 25th, 2008 at 8:15 am
Not only does the bible instruct us to love, it defines what love is. 1 Corinthians 13:4 defines love as this: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrong doing. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” How simple is this! Unfortunatley, we, as humans, have tendencies to do the total opposite of what love is. Think about it, how much patience do you show towards someone who you feel just does not get it? Also, what if someone does something or says something you don’t like or agree with? Are you quick to “store” that information and hold it against that person, unbeknownst to them or do you just forget about it? Personally, as I get older, I’m starting to understand why I have to instill 1 Corinthians 13:4 in me. I believe it removes a lot of stress from your life. So I try to practice this with everyone I come in contact with. Do I get it right all the time? Absolutely not, but every day is a new day so, just like Paul did, I will continue to run my race.
June 25th, 2008 at 9:22 am
I think love is something we all need more of and this article is good stuff. There is an old song that says, “Love isn’t love til you’ve given it away.” We need to all give a little love away today!
June 27th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
I Corinthians 13 is one of my favorite scriptures. I remember when I was young and Andre Crouch had just come out the gate (wasn’t he the stuff?) and he quoted part of that scripture in one of his songs. (if you remember that song, holla back. I can’t remember the title) I love that scripture so much; I had it read at my wedding. But do we follow it?
I know when I get made at someone I don’t stop and whisper to myself, ok if I love this person, I will not be easily provoked. I so often wonder why God’s directions for us, in some areas, are soooo hard to follow. Human nature does hold grudges and, you may disagree, does not love unconditional. You know our attitude, disposition, demeanor, temperament, etc. changes when a person doesn’t do what we want or what we think they should do. The scripture says: Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath. Ephesians 4:26. Whew that is hard! You know when we, sometimes “self righteous”, Christians get mad, our good love fades into the background and we bring out that, “I love them enough to get to heaven” kind of love. Uh uh! If being a Christian means doing things our way, forget it!
I check myself all the time. I fail many, many times and have to keep going through that same test and trial until I pass but, continually I ask God for a conscious. I have to! I want to be exposed to myself. That is the only way I am going to be able to get close to loving unconditionally.
May 4th, 2010 at 5:34 pm
Hands down, Apple’s app store wins by a mile. It’s a huge selection of all sorts of apps vs a rather sad selection of a handful for Zune. Microsoft has plans, especially in the realm of games, but I’m not sure I’d want to bet on the future if this aspect is important to you. The iPod is a much better choice in that case.
July 14th, 2010 at 7:30 am
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