Are We Truly Motivated By Deep Love?

Are We Truly Motivated By Deep Love?

Love Fulfills The Law

1 Corinthians 13:2 (NKJV) says:

And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

It used to really shock me when I would hear people praying a certain way (i.e. loud, strong and proper) and then speaking with me in a way I believe to be inconsistent with the character of Christ (i.e. frustrated, disrespectfully, and even just unenthusiastically. Personally (and first and foremost, because I believe we must always start with our own hearts), I’m constantly working on developing patience and self-control, because this is part of the fruit of the spirit. Each day can provide new opportunities for me to practice patience and self-control!

 It’s God’s will that we grow and mature in love and service toward one another. The Bible says that through love, we are to serve one another (Galatians 5:13). If, in our service to one another, we are not operating out of faith working through love, I believe we must examine the motives of our hearts and renew our minds to the Word of God.

In today’s culture, many of our connections and relationships are very shallow, and far from what God intends for the body of Christ. This may have to do with self-centredness, busyness, and because of such an inward focus, we have a lack of awareness of opportunities God has given us to serve and help all around us!

1 Peter 4:8 (NKJV) says:

And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”

God has given us various gifts. We are to minister them to one another, as “good stewards of the manifold grace of God (1 Peter 4:10 NKJV). Gifts are given for the purpose of helping each other. We must constantly examine our heart motives so that we are truly functioning out of love for God and one another, if we want to accurately represent Christ. The Bible says that knowledge puffs up, but love builds up (1 Corinthians 8:1). I believe there can be a danger of getting pumped up when we learn who we are in Christ and what we can do in Christ, without making every effort to grow in love, maturity, and character. We experience the love of God by loving others. Faithful and steadfast service to God and one another isn’t necessarily dramatic, but we learn and mature in God’s kingdom through faithful service. 

Thinking of ourselves in a sober manner

Romans 12:3 (NKJV) says:

For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.

Romans 12 goes on to say that there are many members in one body, we are members of one another, and all members do not have the same function. According to God’s grace given to us, we have been given different gifts that are meant to be used for doing things well, in proportion to our faith. These gifts include prophecy, teaching, encouraging others, and even showing mercy! Since we are many members of the same body, we need one another and we must work together! The Bible even says that certain parts that appear to be weakest and least important are the most essential (1 Corinthians 12:22). As we each let God’s Word transform us into a new person, we will learn to know God’s will for us. I believe we must take responsibility for our words and actions seriously, living with the fear of God. I love how the New Living Translation puts it in Romans 12:16: “And don’t think you know it all!” God’s Word repeatedly warns us against being lazy. God teaches us to work hard, and serve Him with enthusiasm!

What is a mature Christian response?

The Bible instructs us to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). Understanding that members of the body do not all have the same function, I believe we must realize the importance of working together to accomplish the will of God. The Bible even makes the point that not all perform miracles, and not all have gifts of healing! Nonetheless, God has enabled every part of Christ’s body with special abilities!

I believe that certain abilities may often be overlooked or thought of as less valuable or important, such as the abilities to help, serve, and show mercy! I think back to how much Jesus emphasized simple acts of service, such as when He washed the disciples feet and commanded us to serve likewise (John 13:1-17), and when Jesus spoke about the good Samaritan who cared for the wounded person and paid for his care (Luke 10:30-37). In today’s society, I believe much of the body of Christ is failing to make the connection of how God wants us to use the abilities He’s given us to serve, help, show mercy, and etc all around us! Above all, I believe Jesus wants us to do everything out of deep love for him and one another. 

John 13:34-35 (NKJV) says:

34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.

35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."

I think particularly of situations where, for example, someone has been dealing with an illness like an aggressive form of cancer for years, or with a limiting physical or mental condition for years! How will we, as the body of Christ respond? The Bible tells us to pray always. However, if we truly love the person deeply, I believe our commitment and service to such a person will not end with prayer only!

I believe Jesus does not want us to neglect practical care and help. The example of washing His disciples’ feet speaks volumes! Since we are members of one another, taking responsibility and initiative should be normal. Although simple acts of service may not seem attractive or flashy, I believe this is precisely what Jesus wants to teach us!

Examples:

• How can we help you?

• Can we offer to spend some time with your child, since we know you provide constant care for him due to unique challenges?

• We’d like to bring some cooked meals for you, since you may not have the energy to cook. Would you like that, or not?

• How are you getting to and from Church? Let’s brainstorm together how we can make this work!

• Would you like to come with us for lunch after Church today?

Let’s Wake Up!

God’s standards for us are very high, which to me, is a good thing! Recognizing our blind spots, areas for needed growth, and areas where we missed it is part of the growing and transformation process, as we learn more and more to be like Christ! The Bible warns us against hearing the Word and not doing it (James 1:22). The Bible also warns us to not allow our love to grow cold (Matthew 24:12). Although we are saved by grace through faith, God definitely gives us work to do!

I challenge us to ask the Lord about how we can respond to people and situations that goes beyond just “I love you and I’m praying for you.” How has He enabled us to concretely serve, help, love, advise, or provide? As we conclude, let’s be reminded of 1 John 3:18 (NKJV)

My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.