True Love
“The Lord keeps all who love Him; But all the wicked, He will
destroy”. (Psalm 145:20)
Last week we talked about true joy and how it is (1) related to our service
to God, (2) comes from our own hearts, (3) is a principle of living right before
God and man. This week we shall see that true love is very much the same. The
Bible mentions our relationship with God and how to maintain that relationship.
First God has done His part by showing love to us “For God so
loved the world…..(John 3:16). And we read in 1 John 4:8 that
“God is love”. Now, most of the context of 1 John
4 is teachings that we can only show love to God by showing love to His creation,
and that includes you, me and others. Please, take the time to read 1 John 4.
Jesus loved us so much that He died for us. Romans 5:8 reads: “But
God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ
died for us”
We throw the word around so much, that we usually do not fully comprehend what
we mean when we say we love someone or something. We say things like “I
love chocolate”, or “I love my sports team”, or “I love
my job”. And the word seems to get lost in our conversations. So while
we may say that we love Jesus, they are just empty words, unless we can back
them up. How do we do that?
"If you love Me, keep My commandments”.(John 14:15.)
That is right, you must keep (or obey) the commandments of Jesus. Most people
try to act like they love the Lord, but when it comes to obedience of God’s
commands, they pick and choose which commands they will follow. To really love
God and Christ, you must obey them all. That is how you demonstrate true love
towards God. Speaking it to them, and telling it to others does no good if you
do not back it up with action. And the only acceptable action is obedience to
His commandments. Making up our own rules and living by them does not show love
towards God.
So remember from Psalm 145 that God will destroy the wicked, and the wicked
includes everyone who DOES NOT keep and obey His commandments. This is stated
in the New Testament this way: “…when the Lord Jesus shall
be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, dealing out
retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel
of our Lord Jesus.” 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8
We know that God is not willing that any perish (2 Peter 3:9). You must believe
that Jesus is the Son of God and died on the cross for your sins. (Acts 8:37).
You must repent of your sins (Luke 13:3), you must confess
Jesus as Lord (Matthew 10:32) and you must be baptized for
the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16). Then you must remain faithful
and continue learning how to serve God(2 Peter 3:18). Let us help you
on your spiritual journey. May God bless you in your study of His word.
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By Carey Scott via the Madisonville Meteor; 1/7/2009
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