In the minds of many, love is simply an emotion, a feeling that cannot be forced, an emotion which comes and goes. Yet we are commanded to love, and not just in the sense of active good will, but also in the sense of affection, care and friendship. It is common to distinguish between two different Greek words for love: Agape (active good will) as that which is commanded, and Phileo (fondness, friendship) as that which cannot be forced.
We are commanded to love (agape) God with our heart (Mark 12:30) and we are commanded to love (phileo) Jesus, more than family (1 Cor. 16:22; Matt. 10:37). We are to love (agape) one another as Christ loved us (John 13:34) and we are to be kindly affectionate (love of family) to one another with brotherly love (fraternal affection) (Rom. 12:10).
We have been shown the greatest love of all by God in His sending His Son (1 John 4:9- 10). Jesus taught love through his willingness to die for us (1 John 3:16) and in how He loved His disciples. The apostle Paul taught Christians how to walk in love (Eph. 5:1-2) and he practiced brotherly love (Phil. 4:1). Many other Christians have been examples to us in showing their love in so many different ways.
“Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart” (1 Pet 1:22). Do we love one another as fervently as we should? Can you think of opportunities you have had to show true love toward others in our church family and let them pass by?
We often go out of our way to express our love for members facing serious illnesses or surgeries. Wouldn’t it be great if we started showing our church family how much they mean to us and how we appreciate and love them without waiting for some dire circumstance to motivate us? Let’s resolve to do a better job of showing our love every day toward others in our church family.
For the elders, Gregg Woodall