One of the most significant marks that Jesus identified about His disciples was that of love. In John 13:34-35, He gives a new command, “Love one another . . .” There are a number of verses in the New Testament that emphasize this priority. See these listed here.
John 15:12; John 15:17; Romans 12:10; Romans 13:18; 1 Corinthians 16:14; Galatians 5:14; Ephesians 5:2; 1 Thessalonians 4:9; Hebrews 10:24; Hebrews 13:1; James 2:8; 1 Peter 1:22; 1 Peter 4:8; 1 John 3:11; 1 John 3:23; 1 John 4:21; 2 John 5.
Whitney puts it this way, “Love is the badge and character of Christianity.” Christians may be able to grow in a lot of arenas, Bible knowledge, evangelistic zeal, doctrinal understanding, memorization of Scripture, and more. Yet if they do not grow in love they are failing (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). The description that love is characterized by is important (1 Corinithians 13:4-7
The unfortunate thing is that most Christians have a very difficult time loving. It is evident in churches everywhere. If someone was asked if they loved, their response would probably be a quick and resounding “Yes!”. However, in truth and practice it would be assessed that they really struggle. Oftentimes, when challenged about the lack of love, it is possible to quickly and confidently list all of the sacrifices and proofs. However, the proof doesn’t need to come from the giver of love, but from the one receiving. Love is not arrogant or rude, nor is it insistent on its own way. However, in the church we all find ourselves guilty of these very things.
When love is absent there is faultfinding and record keeping of offenses. There are short fuses with offenders and self-preservation is the mode rather than willing sacrifice and service to meet the needs of others. The likely reason is that love in decline spawns hypocrisy and criticism. In Romans 12:9 the instruction is given to “Let love be genuine.” Too many today steward love for selfish means instead of godly means. Genuine love perceives someone with the heart of Jesus, stewarding the grace of God in a way which will bear kindness, grace, and gentleness. When people love like Jesus loved, it won’t matter the condition of the recipient(s). The grace of God will cover the multitude of sins, weaknesses, and faults. Maurice Roberts, a Scottish pastor, wrote, “The best believers find their progress slow and their attainments meager.” This should provide encouragement, that though one may not always love as effectively as they should or could, the progress is in the right direction.
So as you consider this mark of Spiritual Health, can you think of those who frustrate you in life? Maybe it is that their standards are different, their perspective skewed from yours, their pursuits not as similar, or their needs extremely different. I know that I find it difficult to love the people that are very similar to me, yet a few values or priorities are different enough to frustrate me. It is essential for those evaluations, frustrations, and discoveries drive me to greater love for them rather than hypocrisy. I hope that you will make it your goal as a follower of Jesus to love characteristically. As love was shown to everyone of us in Jesus, will you return in like kind – living for love?