THE HEART OF FAITH
Susan Murray
Today’s Scripture: “For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Galatians 5:14, ESV
Theme: Rules and convictions matter, but they should never override love. If we’re technically “right” without love, we’ve missed the heart of God.
LOVE DEFINED
What is love? The first thing that comes to my mind is an emotional warm, affectionate feeling. When I held my children after they were born or watched them sleep, I felt such emotion. And what bride or groom doesn't feel the ecstasy of love at their wedding? Movies depict words and acts of love that bring us to tears, and we long for someone to love us like that.
In the Bible, there are different Hebrew and Greek words used to describe different kinds of love that are all translated as our single word love. Agape is the Greek word for love in our verse today. Agape is defined as the highest, most selfless form of love. It is characterized by unconditional acceptance, self-sacrifice, and a deliberate commitment to the well-being of others without expecting anything in return. It is more than affectionate feelings although not less. Agape defines who God is; His very nature. “God is love” 1 John 4:8 (NIV)
LAW AND LOVE
Our nature, which reflects the image of God and His love, have been marred by sin and selfishness. The purpose of His law is to show us right from wrong so we can love others. Just think how much better the world would be if everyone just obeyed the Ten Commandments. No murders, no affairs, no lying or stealing to name a few. Now, it’s possible to lead a moral life on the outside, but the question remains - What is hidden in our hearts? 1 John 3:15 says that if we hate others, we are murderers. Jesus in Matthew 5:28 said if we have lust in our hearts, we have already committed adultery. 1 Corinthians 13:3 says we can be extremely generous giving everything we have to the poor but if it is not motivated by love (agape) then it’s nothing. Love is more than warm feelings and outward acts, it is a heart posture.
LOVING SELF AND OTHERS
As I read our verse today and consider what agape means, I am immediately struck by how far I fall short. Our natural tendency, selfishness, is opposed to selfless love. Too often we are only willing to give to others when there is something in it for me or if it doesn’t cost us too much (i.e.time, energy). I’ve heard it said that “you can’t love others till you love yourself” using our very scripture today to justify this belief. It is illustrated by comparing it to putting on your own oxygen mask first before helping others if the airplane decompresses. Using this analogy as a way of thinking about love seems to make sense until you ask this question. Did you supply your own mask and flow of oxygen on the airplane? No. It fell from above. In the same way by loving ourselves first we cannot provide what we need to love others. Then what do we need?
GOSPEL LOVE
We need the love of God seen in Jesus-the Gospel. With perfect self-sacrificing love Jesus purchased our permanent unconditional acceptance before God. As we experience a deeper reality of this perfect love fresh each day, our hearts are changed, creating genuine love for others (1 John 4:19). Jesus is our example to follow but we must allow Him to be much more than just an example for us to change. We must acknowledge Him, first and foremost, our Savior otherwise we will be whipped back and forth between shame (when we see our failure to love) or pride (when we believe we have loved well). Only allowing Jesus to be AN example leaves us simply religious yet unchanged.
Make It Personal: There are many ways I fail to love. I can hold a grudge or be critical of those I envy. I can serve others not for their benefit but to earn their approval - a selfish motive. Consider how you fail to love. Is it easy to recognize and name it? If it is difficult to recognize 1 Corinthians 13 helps me identify where I struggle – see if it helps you too.
Pray: Abba Father, You are love but I so often wrongly think You are a taskmaster ready to show Your disapproval for my failure but instead You love me. Your love sent Jesus who fulfilled all Your laws perfectly in my place and now His perfect record of love is mine. Help me to see, savor Your agape love which I already have as more real today so I can love others genuinely though imperfect and forgive those who fail to love me. A-men
Read: 1 Corinthians 13:1-8; 1 John 4:7-21, Ephesians 3:16-19
Listen: Tauren Wells - Known (Official Lyric Video)
Weekly Memory Verse: ”I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.” 1 Corinthians 9:22b-23, ESV