A Response of Love
The tragic reality of this world is one of self-love, blind ambition, hatred, competition, corruption, and war. As long as the citizens of this world let themselves, knowingly or unknowingly, be guided by the principles of the prince of darkness, love will have no chance to blossom. Mother Teresa once said, "If you judge people, you have no time to love them."
If we truly have been converted and become disciples of the Lord, the principle of love will reign in our lives. Whatever our weaknesses, we will steadily grow in our love for God and for our fellow human beings. In a very real sense conversion is reorientation—a shift away from the love of self to the love for God and to the love of others.
What underlying principle should we discern as we study the commandments that God has given us? Has this principle been operating differently since Christ came to this world? Deut. 6:5, 6; Matt. 22:37-40.
If we truly have been changed by Jesus Christ, His love will characterize our dealings with other people. Though we may not like some people, we are called to love everyone, even our greatest enemy. This will benefit not only the people we associate with but will also prove an enormous blessing for ourselves. Give love and unconditional acceptance to those you encounter and notice what happens.
How should love permeate what we say and do? Matt. 5:44, 25:31-46, 1 Pet. 1:22.
"If church members will put away all self-worship, and will receive in their hearts the love for God and for one another that filled Christ's heart, our heavenly Father will constantly manifest His power through them. Let His people be drawn together with the cords of divine love. Then the world will recognize the miracle-working power of God, and will acknowledge that He is the Strength and the Helper of His commandment-keeping people."—Ellen G. White Comments, The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 940.
| Are you naturally loving or naturally selfish and self-centered? What practical steps can you take to move away from self and manifest love to others? |
No comments:
Post a Comment