When The Love Of Christ Dwells In Us

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Today’s Reading:

1Corinthians Chapter 13 (v.2; Col. 3:14)

"If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but did not love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but did not love others, I would be nothing.” (vv. 1- 2 NLT)

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“Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.”

(Col. 3:14 NLT)

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1Corinthians Chapter 13 is a noticeably short chapter, but it speaks volume. Three issues about our relationship with Jesus Christ are rooted in a biblical and God-given fact which are: i) fear of God (Prov. 1:7); ii) God must be obeyed rather than man (Acts 5:29); and iii) we are to love God because He first loved us (1Jn. 4:19). While we seeks to do all things in love, we must not stop to fear and obey God.

Love is the key thing needed in any relationship; it is not optional but is a vital ingredient that can hold this dark and confused world with diverse race, colour, tongue, and creed together. If the love of God abound in the world, it would be a pleasant place to live in. Love between man and God; between pastors and God’s shepherd they pasture; between spouses; between business partners and associates; between employers and employees; and between parents and their children. When the love of God is reduced or removed, the world is empty, reduced to a grinding, irksome, friction filled series of demands, requirements, and sterile assignments.

Love here is not just an emotion or a thought. It is not just an inclination, it must be demonstrated not as mere emotion, a thought, or feelings. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son Jesus Christ to die as a living sacrifice for the sins of the world. Jesus first advocated this type of love, for while we were yet sinners, Jesus Christ died on the Cross to bear our shame and condemnation. Love, out-shines prophecy and all faith, and is of more greater value than the miraculous ability which can remove mountains. Love is the most essential undergirding for the proper maintenance of our spiritual lives and gifts (Jn. 13:34-35). Love is the highest esteem God has for all humans, and a high regard which we should in turn have and show for God. The most remarkable book, which is the Bible records the greatest story of love ever written - God’s unconditional love for us when he sent His only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ to die a painful death, on the cross for the sins of the world (1John 3:16; 1John 4:10).

Love is not only one of the attribute of God; it is an essential part of His nature (Deut.7:7-8). The Bible declares God is love, the personification of perfect love. This love surpasses our human understanding (Eph. 3:19). This love is everlasting (Jer. 31:3), it is free (Hos. 14:4), it is sacrificial (John 3:16) and it endures to the end (Jn. 13:1). We are to love each other deeply and consistently. Spiritual gifts in themselves do not express our worth before God or the Church, but love does. Our nature of love lasts forever because our God is love (vv. 8-13). Love is deep and gives full knowledge and understanding in spiritual matters. In fact, every other thing we need for our well-being is wrapped up in love. Love should epitomise our relationship with God and our fellow men.

How do we know we are acting the love of Christ (v.4)? 1) Love suffers long, it is patient , it endures all, it does not keep records of wrongs (1The5:14); 2) Love is kind, gentle especially, it recognises the hurting (Eph.4:32); 3) Love rejoices in the truth, is joyful when the righteous prevails (2Jn. 4); 4) Love does not envy, does not jealous what other people have (Prov. 23:17); 5) Love does not parade itself on unholy pride (J3:30): 6) Love is not puffed up, not arrogant or proud (Gal. 6:3); 7) Love does not act rudely, brashly, mean-spiritedly, insulting other (Ecc.5:2); 8) Love does not seek its own way, is not pushy (10:24); 9) Love is not easily provoked or angered (Prov.19:11); 10) It thinks no evil, and does not keep record of offences, and does not revenge (Heb. 10:17); 11) It bears all things and handles the burdensome (Gal. 6:2); 12) Love cannot fail and it does not wear out; it believes all things and trust in God (Prov. 3:5), it hopes in all things, keeps looking unto God, does not despair (Philp. 3:13).

Missing out on opportunity to love others can be very devastating. The world is in tumult, chaos, and confusion today because of lack of love of God. We are always impatient, selfish, self-imposing and self-domineering. Love is beyond the 5-1-wills of Lucifer (Isa. 14:13-14). Love beats lecture time for pointing out wrongs, or criticism. Love enables others to see Jesus in us and through us. And so, whatever we do, wherever we are next time, let us not miss the opportunity to show love to others.

Olufunmilayo Titilola Adekusibe

Prayer:

1. Father forgive me where I have missed the opportunity to love others. Give me understanding of your love in Christ, in Jesus name.

2. Father make me your agent of love, in Jesus name.

3. Father Lord let your revival begin from my life, my family, and my environment, in Jesus name.

4. Father fill Your Church, the community of faith, with Your love, in Jesus name.

5. Arise Lord, and give our nations loving, and God-fearing leaders, in Jesus name