Love is the distinguishing mark of God’s people. It is the vital force that drives all that we do, springing forth from a heart that has
been transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. Our knowledge of God must go beyond mere intellectual comprehension, for it is only
through a love for Him that we can truly know Him. This love for God, in turn, produces a love for His children – all who have been united
with Him through faith in Jesus Christ.
True Christian love is expansive and unselfish, extending beyond the narrow confines of our own sect or train of thought. It is a love
that recognizes the image of Christ in each and every believer who exemplifies the Gospel’s holy doctrines, regardless of any nonessential
differences between us. When we love only those who belong to our own party or train of thought, we are merely loving ourselves in them,
admiring our own image rather than seeing Christ in them. But when we love those who differ from us, because we see in them the humility,
meekness, purity, patience, and benevolence of Christ, then our love is truly Christian – it is Christ in them whom we love.
Sadly, we see too little of this expansive and pure Christian love in the professing world today, despite it being extolled and highly
regarded. It is a love that is difficult to cultivate, as the heart of man is naturally selfish and contracted, bigoted and full of
jealousies. It is a love that requires us to set aside our own prejudices and fond partialities, recognizing that true Christian charity
increases our happiness with its own increase.
As we strive to cultivate this pure Christian love, we must also learn to distinguish it from the undefined latitudinarianism that would
level all distinctions. We can and should prefer our own peculiar communion, to which we are attached from judgment and conscience, but
this should not prevent us from loving those of other communions who bear the image of Christ.
Indeed, we are called to love all those who love the Lord in sincerity, regardless of their background, culture, or nationality. This is a
love that passes over the boundaries of home, sect, and nation, embracing all who have been united with Christ through faith. It is a love
that must be constantly cultivated, as we seek to be more like Christ, who embodied love, humility, and purity.
In the end, love is the very essence of true religion, the main spring that puts all things in motion. Without love, all our religious
profession is nothing but hypocrisy, for our real character is not estimated by what we know, say, or do, but by the inward ruling
principle of our minds. May we, therefore, continually examine ourselves, seeking to love God supremely, to love His children, and to live
our lives in a way that brings glory to Him alone.
“Only one life to live and soon is past
Only what’s done for Christ will last!”
Hoping to make the time I have left count for the glory of God.
ON LOVE