Topic: Love is lost among the Christendom - Part 1
Bible Reading: John 13:31-35
Introduction
Love in the Biblical context is pure and divine; it is different from lust, care, affection and emotion. Love is the manifestation of the Lord among mankind because the Almighty God our creator is love. Nowadays genuine love is lost among the worldwide body of Christians, in manner that emboldens the darkness to operate freely in the Christian world and cause misunderstanding among the different churches. The lack of love among the Christendom has caused many Christians to feel empty and hurt, with countless Christians feeling neglected and frustrated. Since love is lost among the society of Christians, it is easy for the hosts of hell to cause division among various denominations of Christianity across the globe.
The Bible testified that our God is not a God of confusion and disorder but of peace and order. God does not want believers to be in disorder but in harmony and peace, which means God wants everything to be done peacefully with love among the Christendom. As it is written, "For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints." 1 Corinthians 14:33. Inasmuch as God is neither a God of misunderstanding nor a God of hatred, then He is God of love; therefore, Christians let us unselfishly love one another immaterial of age, color, sex, and race. Beloved, we must love fellow Christians because love comes from God. When we love each other, it signifies that we have been given new life in Christ, and thereby becoming children of God: according to the scripture which says "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God." 1 John 4:7. Since love springs from God, do you love brethren? Will your conducts permit people to call you a child of God? You can silence the darkness by loving others, because it will prove that you understand God and have His knowledge.
However, anyone who does not love has not become acquainted with God. Whoever does not love does not develop a relationship with God, and such person will not benefit from an enduring attribute of His nature; according to the Bible passage which says "He who does not love does not know God, for God is love." 1 John 4:8. The only way that you can prove that you know and understand God is to love other people like yourself: because, if God demonstrated His undying love for us by creating us in His own image, then we need to love one another. If God loved us very much that He made mankind His prime creation, don't think we ought to love others? If our Maker proved His endless love by sending His son Jesus Christ to the world as a sacrifice to take away our sins, don't you think we need to emulate God by loving fellow Christians? As it is written "Behold if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." 1 John 4:11.
The only way to prove that God lives in us and His love is truly in our hearts is to love one another: according to the Book of John which says "No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us and His love has been perfected in us." 1 John 4:12. For the Love of God to be brought to full expression in us, we must love each other. For this reason, do not discriminate or practice tribalism, you must love brethren equally whether they are rich or poor. You must not show favoritism to the nobles, but love brothers and sisters who are commoners the same way you love the nobles: according to the scripture which says "The strangers who dwells among you shall be to you as one born among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God." Leviticus 19:34. Partiality must be eradicated among the Christians, instead all the denominations must be united in love to serve the Lord, since we are all serving one and only living God: as it is written, "One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." Ephesians 4:6. Inasmuch as the same heavenly Father and the only true God is working through us all, then Christendom must serve Him in love.
We are serving one and only true God
Our Lord is the only true God of truth. He is the living God and the everlasting King who rules eternally. He is the supreme God who has power over human kingdoms and the Most High God who controls the nations of the world. The Bible corroborated this fact by saying, "But the Lord is the true God; He is the living God and the everlasting King. At His wrath the earth will tremble and the nations will not be able to endure His indignation." Jeremiah 10:10. Since Christians are serving the one and only living God whose name is the Truth, then love must reign in the midst of the Christendom. It is inevitable for love to be entrenched among the Christians if we desire to prove our obedience. Without love we cannot please our Creator. The beloved must allow love to dwell richly among them so that the promises of God will come to pass in our midst. It is a necessity for the Believers to love each other in order to enter the Glorious Home. For this reason, let us make divine love our watchword.
We have one God: Listen, Christendom the Lord is our God. The Lord is one and the Lord alone is the true God: according to the scripture which says "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one!" Deuteronomy 6:4. It is clear that the Christians are serving one and the same living God; hence, the wrangling among the Christendom must cease and be replaced by love, without which no one can enter the kingdom of God. Therefore, we need to abstain from sin, and rededicate ourselves by complying with the instructions of God. We must emulate our Lord and Creator by keeping ourselves holy and loving one another: according to the Book of Samuel which says "No One is holy like the Lord, for there is none besides You, nor is there any rock like our God." 1 Samuel 2:2. There is no one like the Lord God, who protects and preserves those who are loyal to Him. He is the Supreme Being who performs wonders, and acts on behalf of the Beloved who put their hope in Him. As it is written "For since the beginning of the world men have not heard nor perceived by the ear, nor has the eye seen any God besides You, who acts for the one who waits for Him." Isaiah 64:4. Believers must count themselves lucky, and they must not misuse the grace that God has poured upon them. The Christendom must end all the controversies and rivalry in their midst. Christians need to realize that we are not worthy, but it is the grace of God that saved us, sustained us, and made us His beloved.
We are serving one God: It is evident that the beloved have one Father, and we are all serving the same one and only living God who created us; then why are we betraying each other? Why do Christians deal faithlessly and treacherously with one another? Why is it that Believers are cheating each other? Why is it that every one of us despises his/her brothers and sisters? Why is it that Brethren are violating their vows to each other? Why is it that churches are against one another? What is the reason/s that made deceit to be entrenched among the Christendom? What is the reason/s that made rivalry to be rampant and widespread among the Christendom? Why is it that different denominations of Christianity cannot get along and live in harmony? Why are we despising the covenant which God made with our ancestors? As it is written "Have we not all one Father? Has not one God created us? Why do we deal treacherously with one another by profaning the covenant of the fathers?" Malachi 2:10. Do you deal unfaithfully with fellow Christians? Are you among the transgressors who are violating the covenant of God? Do you belong to the class of people who are defrauding and hurting the Church? Christians, time has come for us to love, and be loyal to one another because we all are serving one God.
"For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many lords), yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live". 1 Corinthians 8: 5-6 Since the Christendom have one God, our heavenly Father, and one Lord who is Jesus Christ; then, each of us is part of the body of Christ, and we were chosen to live together in peace. As members of one body (of Christ) Christians were called to live in love and peace: according to the Book of Colossians which says "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful." Colossians 3:15. For this reason, Believers honor Christ by loving and putting others first. Christians be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ. As it is written "Submitting to one another in the fear of God." Ephesians 5:21. Hence, conflict and quarrel must not be heard again in the midst of Christendom, instead we must be considerate in all our dealings.
We must stop lip service: There is only one God for the Beloved and one Conciliator Christ Jesus who reconciled God and humanity; according to the scripture which says "For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus." 1 Timothy 2:5. Now that we are unified by God and Christ, then it is inevitable for the Christendom to be united in love. We must not love in speech but in deed and in truth. Lip service must cease among the Christians, instead we must demonstrate our love for others by assisting them. The Beloved must prove their love through sincere actions rather than empty words. Believers must express love for others through care and compassion: according to the Bible passage which says, "My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth." 1 John 3:18. For this reason, Christians must not flatter one another. We must not lavish insincere praise and excessive compliments on people because of gain or our selfish interest; instead we must be frank. Believers do not lie or deceive any more, because we have been cleansed by the Blood of the Lamb. As it is written, "Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart." 1 Peter 1:22. Christians need to quickly obtain the love that is lost among the Christendom before it is too late; by always unselfishly seeking the best for one another. We must prove that we are not illegitimate children by emulating Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior who loved us and died for us.
Topic: Love is lost among the Christendom - Part 2
Bible Reading: John 13:31-35
We shall continue our discussion by mentioning that Christians must love one another according to the commandment of God, and emulate their heavenly Father’s love for the work of His hand. Christendom must permit love to exist in their midst and follow the footsteps of Jesus Christ so as to succeed in the land of the living.
Emulate God and Jesus Christ
The love that God has for mankind is enormous and endless. God loves humanity to the extent that there is nothing that He can not do for human beings if we comply with His directives. God demonstrated His immense love for human race when He gave His one and only Son Jesus Christ for the salvation of the earthlings. The scripture testified to this fact by saying "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting to life." John 3:16. If God loved us so much, don't you think we need to love one another? Will the Christians allow love to reign in their midst? Do we genuinely love one another? Are the churches not antagonizing one another? This is a wake up call for the Christendom to allow love to reign among them; since God shows and clearly proves His love for mankind by the fact that while we were still sinners and unworthy, Jesus Christ the Messiah died for us. As it is written "But God demonstrates His own love towards us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8.
Since God demonstrated His love for us, do you love others like yourself? How are you showing your love to others? What are your efforts to make sure that love is established in the midst of the Christendom? The time has come that Christians must walk in love by valuing one another. The Beloved must practice empathy and compassion by unselfishly seek the best for others. The Believers must live a life filled with love by esteeming and delighting in one another. For this reason, let love be our guide by following the example of Christ who loved us and gave Himself for us; according to the scripture which says "And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma." Ephesians 5:2. Is your life controlled by divine love? Are you living with love just as Christ loved you? It is time to change so that love will reign among the Christendom.
Christians, let us emulate Jesus Christ our Lord who ever loves us and freed us from our sins by His own blood. The undying love that Christ has for humanity made Him to sacrifice Himself and set us free from our sins at the cost of His blood. Believers must follow the footsteps of Christ whose abiding love made Him to die for the sinners. As it is written; "And from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood." Revelation 1:5. We need to give all glory to Christ who freed us from sins by shedding His blood for us. It is the duty of Christians to follow the example of Jesus Christ by loving one another. Anyone who fails to emulate Jesus Christ by practicing love, empathy, and compassion is an illegitimate child. Whoever fails to spiritually build on the divine foundation of Love laid by Messiah is an unbeliever, immaterial of the post/position of such person among the Christendom. For this reason, make love your watchword and love one another.
Love one another
Christians, let us love one another and seek what is best for others. Inasmuch as we are following the footsteps of Christ, partiality and deceit must be eradicated among us. The Christendom must live in love in manner that will win the unbelievers into the kingdom of God. The acts and conducts of the Beloved must be worthy to be emulated by the Gentiles.
Christ instructed us to love: Jesus Christ instructed us to love and unselfishly seek the best for one another. The Savior of the world directed us to love each other: according to the Book of John which says "These things I command you, that you love one another." John 15:17. So, it is the obligation of the Christians to be obedient to the commandment of Christ by loving each other in the same way that He loved us; according to the Bible passage which says "This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." John 15:12. Hence, the worldwide body of Christians must be obedient to this commandment, since no disobedient person can enter the kingdom of heaven. Jesus has set the pace of Christians to follow; He has demonstrated the extent of His love and commitment to mankind by laying down His life for us. The Bible corroborated this fact by saying "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." John 15:13. For this reason, the Christendom must make love the principle that is governing their conducts.
Today, Christ is using this publication to give us a new commandment which is 'love each other in the same way that I have loved you'. Therefore, it is the requirement of the Lord for churches to love one another. As it is written, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another." John 13:34. The best way to prove that you are born again is to love others. If you desire to be a disciple of Christ, have love and unselfish concern for others, else you are deceiving yourself. The only way that people will recognize that we are true Christians is to show love to one another. Our love for one another is what will prove to the world that we are Beloved; according to the scripture which says "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:35. People will not believe that we are followers of Christ unless we love each other. Therefore unconditional love must return into the Christian world.
Brotherly love must dwell in the midst of Christians: Christians must realize that the message that we heard on the day that we were saved was to love one another. Believers must admit that it is the message of love that brought them to God. The announcement made to us from the beginning of our relationship with Christ was to love and seek the best for one another; according to the Bible passage which says "For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another." 1 John 3:11. Are you still paying attention to this message? Do you allow this message to continue to guide your steps? Since you have purified your heart, do you have genuine love for fellow believers? Are you showing sincere love for Brethren? Is brotherly love what is paramount in your heart? As it is written; "Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart." 1 Peter 1:22. Hence, the Beloved must love each other deeply with all their hearts with humility instead of self-righteousness, and gentleness by maintaining self control. Christians must show their love by being tolerant with one another; according to the Book of Ephesians which says "With all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love." Ephesians 4:2. Are Christians patient with each other? Are they bearing with one another in love? Are the Believers accepting each other in love? Are they supporting one another through love? Do the Beloved make allowance for each other's faults because of love? The Christendom must think deeply about these questions and amend their ways.
We don't need to emphasize on the necessity of loving each other because Holy Spirit has educated us on how we should love one another. We have been taught the importance and the need to love each other. God has tutored us to have unselfish concern for others and do things for their benefits; according to the scripture which says "But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another." 1 Thessalonians 4:9. Therefore, let us love one another warmly as Christians and be eager to show respect for one another. Believers must be devoted to one another with brotherly affection as members of one family, by giving preference to one another in honor. As it is written, "Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor give preference to one another." Romans 12:10. Do you take delight in honoring others? Are you among the loving Christians who are giving precedence to one another? If not change today; start showing respect for all people by treating them honorably and love the brotherhood (the Christian fraternity of which Christ is the Head): according to the scripture which says "Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king." 1 Peter 2:17. So, respect everyone and love other believers.
Motivate one another to acts of love: It is inevitable for Christendom to have the same viewpoint and opinion. Believers must have the same attitude and agree in whatever they are doing. The Beloved must be like-minded and united in Spirit. They must be sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted and loving each other as members of one household; according to the Bible passage which says "Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous." 1 Peter 3:8. For this reason, we must encourage one another to love and to do good deeds. Christians must think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. Believers must consider and give attentive, continuous care to watching over one another, studying how we can stimulate and incite to love and perform noble activities; according to the Book of Hebrews which says "And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works." Hebrews 10:24. Are you among those that are spurring on another to love? May the Lord make you to excel and overflow in love for one another; Almighty God will boost and enrich your love for each other; according to the prayer of Paul for the church in Thessalonica which says "And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you." 1 Thessalonians 3:12. We pray that the love of Christians for each other will grow by leaps and bounds in Jesus Name.
Topic: Love is lost among the Christendom - Part 3
Bible Reading: John 13:31-35
We shall continue our discussion by mentioning how it is inevitable for unity and love to reign among the Christendom, so that Satan will not take advantage of them. We will mention how the Christians need to be vigilant because of the agents of Satan that are causing division in their midst.
Unity must reign among the Christendom to defeat Satan
Nowadays there is no unity among the Christendom, because one denomination is claiming superiority over another denomination. However Christians need to be united in order to defeat Satan. We must be unified to have victory on the hosts of hell. Without unity we cannot overcome the darkness: ‘because divided we fall, united we stand.’ The realms of darkness are united and they are waging war spiritually against the Christians, so the Beloved need to wake from their slumbering, and permit unity and love to reign in their midst. The unification of the Christendom in love is the only way to subdue and conquer the throne of darkness. The Bible stated that "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" Psalm 133:1. Therefore, let your love be sincere and active. Love brothers and sisters without dissimulation. Love must be shown without concealment of thoughts/feelings among the Christendom. The Christian societies and churches must love one another without pretense and detest everything that is evil: according to the Book of Romans which says "Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good." Romans 12:9. Is your love a mere outward show or do you really love others? Do you hate what is wrong? Are you holding tightly to what is good? You need to know that the best way to make the awesome power of God to manifest in our midst is to be united and love one another. If we want the mighty hand of God to move and perform wonders in our midst, then, we must not have any division among us.
Since the Beloved are certain of the love which God has for them, then our God is divine love and those who live in love live in union with God and God lives in union with them: according to the Bible passage which says, "And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him." 1 John 4:16. We must not forget that if we want God to live in us, we must live in love. So, the only way to prove that we will love the Beloved is to love and obey God. Anyone who loves God and obeys His orders has demonstrated that he/she loves the people of God: according to the scripture which says "By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments." 1 John 5:2. No matter how many times you confess to love the Believers, no matter the way you profess to love the Children of God, if you are not obedient to the commandment of God which says love your neighbor like yourself, then you are one of the people that are causing strife and wrangling among the Christendom.
Leaders of Christianity: In Antioch where the disciples of Christ were first called Christians, they did not mention any denomination, but today we have divided ourselves into several denominations. As it is today, we can still be united if there is no ulterior motive and selfish interest, even though we presently have countless number of churches in the world. As it is written; "And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch". Acts 11:26. In Antioch the disciples were not called members of Catholic Church, or Baptist Church, or Anglican Church, or Methodist Church, or Pentecostal Church, just to mention few. Why then are we allowing disputes among various denominations to cause division in the Christendom? Hence the leaders of Christianity must be unified to rescue the spiritual Ship of Salvation that is on the sea from shipwreck. It is the duty of these leaders to bring the ship to a spiritually secure harbor.
The duty of the leaders is the same as the task that Jesus Christ our Lord gave to Apostle Peter to look after His sheep and cater for their needs. Peter was instructed to care for the sheep of the Lord and watch over them: according to the Book of John which says "So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ’Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?' He said to Him, ' Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.' He said to Him, 'feed My lambs.' He said to him again a second time, 'Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?' He said to Him, 'Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.' He said to him, 'Tend my sheep.’ He said to him the third time, ‘Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?’ And he said to Him, ‘Lord You know all things; You know that I love You’…" John 21:15-17. Are the leaders of Christianity feeding and tending the sheep of the Lord? Are they discharging their responsibilities to the best of their ability? Are they not trading the sheep for their own benefits? Do they not always abandon the Lambs of Jesus to pursue their own selfish interest? Don't they put the sheep at risk in order to protect themselves and secure their future?
Leaders must realize that the Believers are the chosen of the Lord, and we will be reprimanded for our wrongdoings. It is time for our leaders to know that the Christendom will be held accountable for all our sins, because we are the ones that are intimate to the Lord and He cares a lot about us. As it written "You only have I known of all the families of the earth; therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities." Amos 3:2. It is better for the Christian leaders throughout the world to seek and restore the love that is lost among them, in order to avoid the punishment of God. For this reason, the leaders of Christianity must present a united front to subdue and conquer the agents of Satan who are causing divisions in our midst. The responsibility of our leaders is to be united, and love each other, in manner that will make God to empower them to take us to the promise land and the land of the fulfillment of our dreams. So that Jesus Christ our Lord will make His home in their hearts, they will be rooted in love and founded securely on love; according to the Bible passage which says "that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love." Ephesians 3:17. We pray that the spiritual roots of our leaders will grow down into God's love and keep them strong in order not to lead the Christendom astray.
Beware of the agents of Satan: Division and discord is not suppose to be in the midst of Christendom, because wherever there is division or discord, it proves that the people belong to this world and they are living by its standards. As long as there is jealousy and division among the Christians, we are still worldly controlled by ordinary impulses and sinful capacity/nature. It proves that we are not spiritual and we are acting like the unbelievers of this world. As it is written, "For you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife and division among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?" 1 Corinthians 3:3. However, there are agents of Satan in our midst who are making Brethren or Churches to turn against each other. These agents of Lucifer are the agitators who are setting up distinctions and causing divisions. They are worldly minded, secular and unsaved people who are devoid of the Spirit of God: according to the Book of Jude which says "These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the spirit." Jude 1:19. Are you one of the people who are causing divisions in your church? Are you destitute of any higher spiritual life and gifts of Holy Spirit? Are you concern only about physical things and not spiritual things? Are you one of those who are controlled by their natural desires or instincts? If your answers are yes, you need to check yourself.
The advice of Paul to the Romans was to avoid divisive people; because anyone that is causing division among the Christians is an agent of Satan. So, you must avoid those who cause dissensions and create obstacles, or introduce temptations for others to commit sin. We urge you to stay away from anyone who causes trouble and divides the church by refusing to do what the members of the congregation were taught by good leaders/shepherds. Now is the time for you to keep away from those who cause divisions and upset people's faith by going against the teachings of the Holy Bible: according to the scripture which says "Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them". Romans 16:17. Now that you can identify the agents of Satan in our midst, do not relent but watch out. Be persistent and devoted to prayer; be alert and focused in your prayer life. Never give up praying, instead be unwearied and steadfast in your prayer with an alert mind. As it is written, “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.” Colossians 4:2.
Avoid those who cause disorder: Nowadays many so called Christians are living idle lives, and they are meddling in other peoples' business instead of working. Several brothers and sisters are not living disciplined lives instead they are walking inordinately thereby causing disturbance in the Christian world. The Bible corroborated this fact by saying "For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies." 2 Thessalonians 3:11. Are you one of the people who are using Christianity to conceal their nefarious activities? Are you conducting yourself in a manner that is neglectful of duty? Are you among those who are living inappropriate life? Are people blaspheming the name of God because of your vices? Stop your immorality today and avoid anyone who is a loafer. Keep away from brothers and sisters whose lifestyles contradict the teachings of the Bible. As it is written; "But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he receives from us." 2 Thessalonians 3:6. Therefore, anyone whose lifestyle is not in conformity with the teachings of the Bible may be an agent of Satan, sent to cause disorder among the Christendom.
Beware of the wiles of Satan: Paul Apostle was shot with a spiritual dart. One of Satan's agents was sent to carry out this wicked mission in order to torment Paul. The Bible testified to this fact by saying "And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure." 2 Corinthians 12:7. No human is immune against spiritual attack, so be on the look out for the wiles of the Devil. You must be cautious and alert to the dangers of wiles of Lucifer, else he will take advantage of you. Christians must not be ignorant of the schemes of Satan, else he will outwit them. To keep Lucifer from circumventing them the Christendom must not be ignorant of his wiles. As it is written, "Lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices." 2 Corinthians 2:11. The Beloved must be prepared and familiar with the evil schemes of the Devil so that he will not outsmart them.
Topic: Love is lost among the Christendom - Part 4
Bible Reading: John 13:31-35
We shall continue our discussion by mentioning the attributes of divine love, in order to remind the Christians of the type and the level of conducts that the heavens are expecting from them.
The attributes of Love
God requires love, quality behaviors and high moral standard from the Beloved, so that we can set the pace for the Gentiles to follow. He has demonstrated His love for mankind by sending His Son Jesus Christ to die for us. Hence, let us love one another and use the attributes of love to examine and appraise ourselves.
Love is patient: Love is patient, and it is the quality that makes people to be able to accept or tolerate delays, problems or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious. Therefore, no impatient person can claim to love. Patience is an attribute of love that makes people to endure and bear pains or trial calmly or without complaint. Love is the ability or willingness to suppress restlessness/annoyance when confronted with delay. Since patience is one of the qualities of love, Christians must endure whatever they are passing through. The workers in the vineyard of God must be patient in their afflictions and necessities. The servants of God must endure privations and sore straits. Hence, the Christendom must be patient, even though they have had trouble, suffering and hard times; according tot the scripture which says, "But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses." 2 Corinthians 6:4. Are you patiently enduring difficulties and calamities as a true Christian? Are you using your stressful situations as a guise or excuse to be impatient with others?
It is time for the Believers to realize that God is bigger than their problems, and He is abundantly able to resolve the situation that is currently testing their level of endurance or forbearance. For this reason, the Beloved must aim at patience and godliness to prove their love for others. They must keep away from sins and evil things; according to the advice of Apostle Paul to Timothy that says, "But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness." 1 Timothy 6:11. This advice is for every Christian; so, are you avoiding iniquities and abominable things? Do you love others and behave in manner that morally conforms to the character of God? Are you patient, dependable and gentle? If not, change today before it is too late.
The duty of Christians is to advise the disorderly and the undisciplined people in our midst so that the name of the Lord will not be blasphemed. Brethren need to encourage the disheartened and the timid; we must comfort those who are feeble-minded and the discouraged. It is our responsibility to help and give support to the spiritually weak: most importantly we must control our temper and be patient with everyone. As it is written "Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all." 1 Thessalonians 5:14. Are the leaders/elders of your church taking care of those who are spiritually weak? Are they instructing those who are not living right to change or they keep silent? Are they cheering up those who are discouraged? Are they encouraging anyone who feels left out? Are they patient with everybody?
If the answers are yes, then they are on the right path, because ministers of God must be able to deal with difficult people and be patient with them. The leaders/elders of churches must not be argumentative; but gentle listeners who keep cool by working firmly but patiently with those who are disobedient. They must have patience and the ability to gently correct those who oppose their messages or instructions; according to the Book of Timothy which says, "And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient." 2 Timothy 2:24. Are the workers of your church able to bear evil without resentment? Are the elders of your church not resentful when mistreated? Are the pastors of your church patient and tolerant when wronged? You need to realize that good teachers or pastors will never hold anything against anyone.
Love is kind: Love is showing a friendly, generous and considerate nature. It is gentle, courteous and benevolent in nature. God requires that Christians love one another. So, it is mandatory for love to exist among the Christendom, because what God desire in humans are loyalty and kindness. What is most desirable in any person are fidelity and trustworthiness; therefore, poor people are better off than liars: according to the Book of Proverbs which says "What is desired in a man is kindness, and a poor man is better than a liar." Proverbs 19:22. Do you prefer to be a poor person than a wealthy liar? Unfailing love is what makes a person to be spiritually attractive; which means the charm of anyone is his/her kindness. For this reason, be nice and kind to everyone if you are among the chosen people of God.
One of the ways to be identified as an elected of God is to be sympathetic, kind and patient. Inasmuch as the Christendom is the chosen of the Lord, the Beloved must clothe themselves with compassion, kindness, humility and patience. As it is written "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility meekness, longsuffering." Colossians 3:12. If you know that you are among the people chosen by God as His special treasure, be kind to everyone. Henceforth, Christians must be kind and useful to one another. Believers must readily and freely forgive each other. It is the duty of the Beloved to be courteous and compassionately kind to one another; according to the scripture which says "And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." Ephesians 4: 32. Time has come; Christians let us be helpful to one another and love to each other.
Love is considerate and does not envy: Anyone who loves others must be considerate. Christians must consider the helpless so as to be blessed by the Lord. A simple way to be happy is to consider the poor. You cannot claim to love others if you fail to consider the spiritually weak people in our midst: according to the Book of Psalm which says "Blessed is he who considers the poor; the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble." Psalm 41:1. Do you care about others? Are you concern about the helpless? Do you think about the less privilege? What steps are you taking to assist the needy? When was the last time that you care about the poor? Are you paying attention to the spiritually weak people around you? Have you ever try to understand the plight of the poor and show empathy?
Since no unrighteous person will enter the kingdom of God, prove your righteousness by caring about the rights of the poor. If you love others like yourself, you will be concern about the poor and you will make sure that they are treated fairly. As it is written "The righteous considers the cause of the poor but the wicked does not understand such knowledge." Proverbs 29:7. In order to demonstrate your love, you must seek and care about justice for the poor. Therefore, Christians let us take notice of the cause of the poor in our midst.
Inasmuch as love does not envy, Believers must not envy those who live godless lives and have no hope of salvation. The Beloved must neither jealous the sinners nor envy the evil people; instead they should continue to live in reverence of the Lord and Honor Him throughout their existence: according to the Book of Proverbs which says "Do not let your heart envy sinners, but be zealous for the fear of the Lord all the day." Proverbs 23:17. Is reverence for the Lord the primary concern of your life? For this reason, do not envy the wealth of the wicked or crave their company.
Christians must neither envy the ungodly people nor jealous their riches. It is important that the Beloved must not envy the sinful people or long to be with them: according to the Bible passage which says, "Do not be envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them." Proverbs 24:1. You must never seek to be like the worldly people, because you are not of this world. So, do not jealous the bad people, or have any desire to be around them. Believers stop envying the crooks because of their wealth, and erase every desire to be their friends from your hearts, until when they repent and turn to God.
Love is not arrogant, proud or puffed: Arrogance is not an attribute of love. Anyone who is arrogant does not love because love does not boast. Christians must not proclaim to fear God, or love others, until they shun pride and arrogance. The Bible stated that the reverent fear and worshipful awe of the Lord includes the hatred of evil, pride and arrogance. To honor the Lord, you must hate evil and bragging. If you respect the Lord, you will hate evil, haughtiness and arrogance: according to the scripture which says, "The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate." Proverbs 8:13. Therefore, pride, arrogance, boasting, corruption, and perverse speeches must not be heard again among the Christendom. Love alone must dominate every aspect of the daily interactions of the Christians throughout the world. For this reason, Believers must never boast because every form of boasting is evil.
Pride is not of love, instead it is a disgusting conduct in the presence of God. The Lord detests all those with proud hearts, and anyone who is conceited cannot please God. The Bible says, "Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord; though they join forces, none will go unpunished." Proverbs 16:5. Since God abhors pride, arrogance and haughtiness; it is inevitable for the Beloved to abstain from these ungodly conducts: according to the scripture which says "Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up." 1 Corinthians 13:4. We pray that Christians will adhere to the attributes of love in this publication and refrain from everything that is not of love.
Topic: Love is lost among the Christendom - Part 5
Bible Reading: John 13:31-35
We shall continue our discussion with the attributes of love by mentioning how love is not selfish, how it covers sins, and does not think evil or keep records of wrongdoings.
Love wipes away sins: Christians must be cautious so that our freedom will not become an opportunity for sinful nature and worldliness. We must wake up from our spiritual slumber so that our liberty through Christ will not become an incentive to our flesh and an excuse to indulge in selfish impulses; instead of serving one another through love. Believers must be vigilant so that the Devil will not make us to turn our freedom into an excuse for our corrupt nature to express itself instead of seeking the best for one another through love. As it is written "For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another". Galatians 5:13. Use liberty judiciously by complying with the directive of God to love one another. Use your freedom to serve one another humbly in love rather than using it to commit vices.
Therefore we need to maintain constant love for one another since love forgives and disregards the offenses of others. Christians sincerely love each other, because love wipes away many sins: according to the scripture which says "And above all things have fervent love for one another, for 'love will cover a multitude of sins.'" 1 Peter 4:8. For this reason, owe nothing to anyone, except for your obligation to love one another. Let love be the only debt that you owe people: according to the Book of Romans which says "Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law." Romans 13:8. You cannot satisfy the law unless you love others. The only way for Christians to fulfill the law of God is to love one another. So, Christendom must permit love to reign in your midst.
We need to know that love is not rude or act unbecomingly. It will never behave improperly or inappropriately; which means any one who is conducting himself or herself in an unmannerly way does not love. You can claim to love others if you are dishonoring them and behaving in ill-mannered way. Christians must realize that love is not self-seeking or seek its own advantage alone. Believers who are selfish cannot claim to love because love does not insist on its own rights or its own way. If you are always demanding to have your way, it proves that you do not love others. It is time for the Christendom to understand that love is not touchy or fretful or resentful. We need to grasp that love is not irritable or easily angered.
Let us comprehend that love is not quick tempered or get upset with others. Divine love does not think evil and it does not keep track of wrongs or record of complaints: according to the Book of Corinthians which says "Love does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil" 1 Corinthians 13:5. Are you still professing to love others despite your indecent conducts? How can you say you love others when you don't care about them, and you are holding grudges against them? Don’t you think that your dishonorable act is enough to prove that you do not love others? So change today and start loving others according to the Command of the Lord.
Love is not selfish or self-seeking: Divine love is not selfish; therefore Christians must do nothing from selfishness or factional motives. Let nothing be done through contentiousness or vainglory among the Christendom. Nothing must be done out of rivalry, jealousy or vanity among the churches. Believers must not do anything based on selfish interest or selfish ambition, instead let us love others and consider them as better than ourselves. As it is written "Let nothing be done though selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself" Philippians 2:3. Hence, let us not become vainglories by challenging and provoking one another. Churches must stop envying and being jealous of one another. The time has come for churches to stop making others jealous by claiming to be superior or better than them: according to the scripture which says "Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another" Galatians 5:26. Christian societies throughout the world must permit love to reign in their midst.
For this reason, there must be no envying among the Christians, because wherever there is jealousy there will be contention and rivalry. The believers must abstain from selfish interest or ambition because wherever there is selfishness there will be unrest and rebellion. If the societies of Christians do not want disorder, disharmony and rivalry in their midst they must love one another. The leaders of Christianity must not be selfish if they don't want all sorts of cruel things and morally degrading practices to be prevalent in the churches throughout the world. Selfishness must be a thing of the past among the Beloved, if we don't want confusion and vile practices to be predominant in the worldwide body of Christians: according to the Book of James which says "For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there" James 3:16.
Are you ready to discard your foul practices, and love instead? Since God will pour His anger on the selfish people who are disobedient to the truth but responsive to wickedness. The fury of the Lord will come upon the self-seeking people who reject the truth and what is right, in order to follow what is wrong: according to the Bible passage which says "But to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness - indignation and wrath" Romans 2:8. Are you living for yourself alone? Do you belong to the class of those who refuse to obey the truth? Are you living a life of wickedness? Now is the time to change and love other people like yourself.
Love does not think evil: The thoughts of the Lord toward humanity are love and well-being. The plans that Almighty God have for mankind are welfare and peace because of the Love He has for us. Christians must emulate God their Creator by loving one another instead of thinking evil. Anyone who wants a future of success and not of suffering must not think evil. As it is written "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope" Jeremiah 29:11. If you want the plan of prosperity of God to materialize in your life, do not think evil but love others. For this reason, do not plot evil in your heart against anyone. You must not devise injury against Brethren of the Lord. Do not make secret plans to hurt your neighbors: according to the scripture which says, "Let none of you think evil in your heart against your neighbor; and do not love a false oath. For all these are things that I hate, says the Lord" Zechariah 8:17. Christians love and do not think evil. Are you scheming against others? Are you planning ways of harming others? Desist, so that it shall be well with you.
Love does not rejoice in iniquity: The Bible stated that love does not rejoice at injustice but rejoices when right prevails. It finds no joy in unrighteousness but rejoices in the truth. Love is not happy with wrongdoing and it takes no pleasure in evil: according to the Book o Corinthians which says "Love does not rejoice in iniquity but rejoices in the truth" 1 Corinthians 13:6. Are you gloating over other people's sins? Are you delighted with the truth? Are you always glad when others do wrong? Check yourself and make amendments. Therefore give up your sins including those you do in secret. You must discard your iniquity and make sure that injustice does not reside in your home. To prove that you love others, you must remove the sin that is in your hand and let no iniquity remain in your domain: according to the scripture which says "If iniquity were in your hand, and you put it far away, and would not let wickedness dwell in your tents; Then surely you could lift up your face without spot; Yes, you could be steadfast, and not fear; Because you would forget your misery, and remember it as waters that have passed away, and your life would be brighter than noonday. Though you were dark, you would be like morning" Job 11:14-17. If you want all the aforementioned benefits, get rid of your sins, and leave no iniquity behind you.
Love rejoices in truth: God desire truth in our innermost being and in the hidden part of our hearts. Our Creator wants complete honesty and integrity from the Believers. Sincerity and truth are what the Lord require from the Christians; which means without faithfulness you cannot please God: according to the Bible passage which says "Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, and in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom" Psalm 51:6. Therefore, let your mouth utter truth, so that wrongdoing will be loathsome to your lips. Christians must always speak the truth immaterial of the consequences and refuse to tell lies. One of the best ways that Believers can emulate God is to permit their mouths to express the truth at all times so that their lips will abhor evil. Whatever that is said among the Christian communities and churches must be the truth and they must hate lies. As it is written "For my mouth will speak truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips" Proverbs 8:7.
How many leaders of Christianity can publicly declare that lies and fraud are disgusting to their lips? How many churches in the world can claim to speak the truth without any hanky-panky? How many Christian states throughout the globe can prove that they detest every kind of deception? The Beloved must remember that only the truthful lips will be established forever. The honest people are the ones that will endure eternally in the presence of God. If you want to last forever in the heavenly kingdom of God, do not cease speaking the truth. Inasmuch as truthful words stand the test of time the worldwide community of Christians must not compromise; according to the Book of Proverbs which says "The truthful lip shall be established forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment" Proverbs 12:19. The Beloved must never tell lies because it will make the glorious name of our God to be insulted. For this reason, sincerity and righteousness must be the watchword of the obedient people who are destined for the kingdom of God.
Topic: Love is lost among the Christendom - Part 6
Bible Reading: John 13:31-35
We shall continue our discussion with the attributes of love and mention that Christians are precious treasure to the Lord as to encourage them to be obedient by loving one another.
Love is supportive and loyal: Love bears all things regardless of what comes and believes all things by looking for the best in each one. Divine love never gives up and it never loses faith. Christians must demonstrate their love by being supportive and always loyal to one another. One of the best ways to prove your love is to put up with all things and trusts in all things written in the Holy Bible. The scripture corroborated this fact by saying "Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." 1 Corinthians 13:7. Are you bearing up under anything and everything that comes your way? Are you ready to believe the best of every person? Believers must patiently accept all things that are related to Christianity so as to become a safe place of shelter through their love for one another.
The Christendom must protect at all cost everything that has to do with Christianity. Therefore, you must not take revenge or hold a grudge against any/other members of your church. The Beloved must forgive and forget about the wrong things people do to them, and they must not try to get even, but love them. It is inevitable for Christians not to hurt anyone who has hurt them or continue to hate them: according to the command of the Lord which says "You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord." Leviticus 19:18. It is the commandment of God, so Christians must neither hate nor bear grudges, instead they should love one another.
Love is hopeful and endures all things: Love is always hopeful and endures through every circumstance. This means it is correct to say that love always hopes and always perseveres. Anyone who loves will never stop hoping and always continue strong. It is important for us to know that there is no limit to the degree of hope embedded in genuine love. The Christendom can indicate their love by not losing hope in one another or quit when it gets tough. It must be noted that the hopes of divine love are fadeless under all circumstances and it endures everything without weakening. Are you always steadfast during difficult times? Are you keeping your hope in the Lord alive? If so, then continue to put your hope in the Lord because He is merciful. Christians need to trust in the Lord, because His love is constant and He is always willing to save.
Whatever that you are passing through, have unshaken hope in the Lord, since there is unfailing love with the Lord and His redemption overflows. As it is written "O Israel, hope in the Lord; for with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him is abundant redemption." Psalm 130:7. You need to put your hope in the Lord even if your situation seems humanly hopeless, because of His mercy and endless love, so that you will be happy throughout your lifetime. If you want spiritual security during your stay in the land of the living, trust and rely on the Lord. For you and your descendants to be blessed, you must put your hope and confidence in the Lord: according to the Bible passage which says "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord." Jeremiah 17:7. Is your hope in the Lord or material things of this world? When are you going to depend solely on the Lord? When are you going to make the Lord your hope and confidence? Take indisputable steps that will make people to know that you have hope for all things and endure all things.
Anyone without love is bankrupt and love doesn't strut or fly off the handle but puts up with anything by trusting in God. Since love always look for the best and never looks back but keeps going to the end, it means hope in the Lord will never put us to shame. Christians must realize that hope in the word of God will neither delude nor let them down. If you don't want to be disappointed put your hope in the Lord who will give you the Holy Spirit that will fill your heart with His love. As it is written "Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5:5. For this reason, hope in the Lord and you will never be dishonored, instead God will flood your heart with His divine love.
Therefore, be happy in your hope, stand your ground when you are in trouble, and devote yourself to prayer. Let your hope in the Lord make you glad. Be patient in time of trouble and never stop praying. Believers must be joyful because they have hope, endure when trouble comes and pray constantly: according to the Book of Romans which says "Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer." Romans 12:12. Though faith, hope, and love continue forever but the greatest is love, because love is God: according to the scripture which says "And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 13:13. If love is the Chief among the three, then Christendom must seek the love that is lost among them. Hence, Christians must be ready to patiently endure all things for the sake of God's chosen ones. The Believers must persevere through whatever that is happening to them, so that the elect will be saved.
The Beloved must accept and endure their troubles for the sake of those chosen by God in order for them to obtain salvation and receive eternal glory: according to the Bible passage which says "Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory." 2 Timothy 2:10. Are you ready to endure anything if it will bring salvation to others? What steps are you taking so that the elect may receive eternal glory in Christ Jesus? Do you think that your level of perseverance is enough to prove that you love others? Are you prepared to suffer loss and endure everything because of the chosen people? Then you need to bear up under suffering to the end. Whoever holds out till the end will be delivered and rewarded. If you remain faithful to the end, you will be saved. The Bible testified to this fact by saying "But he who endures to the end shall be saved." Matthew 24:13. It is inevitable that you must persevere to the end for your salvation and that of the elect.
Love never fails or ends: Love never fails but lasts forever. Love never dies or ends but continue forever. Love is eternal, it never fades or become obsolete: according to the Book of Corinthians which says "Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away." 1 Corinthians 13:8. Since love will last forever, it is time for the Christendom to allow the divine love of God to dominate every aspect of their lives so that they will be glorified.
Christians are special people
God requires love from the Christians because they are exceptionally good and precious to Him. Our Creator desires that the Beloved love one another because they are outstanding and important to Him. The Lord demands love from the Believers because they are unique and significant. The promise of God was, if Christians will obey Him by loving one another, they will be His most precious possession. If Believers are obedient and keep the agreement between them and God, then they will be His peculiar possession out of all the people s in the world: according to the Book of Exodus which says "Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all the people; for all the earth is Mine." Exodus 19:5. Are you paying attention to the words of God? Are you keeping or breaking the covenant of God? Will your conducts make you to be among the treasured possession of God? Change now before it is too late, so that you will be among the people that God has chosen to be His treasured possession.
Christendom must allow love to reign in their midst because they are the chosen people of the Lord. It is an abomination for the churches to hate or envy one another, since they are the people set apart as holy for God. Christian societies must abstain from injustice and pride since God has chosen them out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be His unique treasure. The leaders of Christianity must be considerate and patient with all, because they are special possession of God: according to the scripture which says "For you are a holy people to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth." Deuteronomy 7:6, 14:2. For this reason, Christians let your light be bright by loving one another, so that people will praise your heavenly Father through you.
Finally, the Lord is giving you a new commandment today, to love one another in the same way that He loved you: according to the Book of John which says "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” John 13:34.
The Seal: John 13:35: "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."