"Introduction To A Love Story-Part III"
Posted: Sunday, August 02, 2009
by revruc1
Sugarwood Christian Community Church
Love: the Foundation for all Relationships:
There is a certain anti-legal strain in Christian thought. Jesus accepted the validity of the Jewish laws. However, He encouraged people to emphasize the intent behind the law, and to focus on their motivations. He summarized the law as love for God and for our neighbor. Thus much of Christian practice is focused on finding ways to show love for our fellows.
What is Christian love?
The term "Love" in English covers many things, including erotic love, love between parent and child, brotherly love, etc. Christian love can be modeled on love between parent and child and brotherly love.
They are told to love everyone, particularly enemies. It's useful to start by looking at what this does NOT mean. It does not mean that we will like everyone. Love is not primarily an emotion, although it often involves the emotions, and is supported by them. It is primarily a commitment to care about someone.
Jesus' teachings are largely a description of what love means. However the briefest description is from one of Paul's letters:
"Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things."
Love is based on our status as fellow children of God. This means that there is at least potentially a close spiritual bond between all of us. It is a reflection of the fact that God loves us, and is an expression of Christ's love active in us.
It is also based on honesty and justice. While Christians are eager to forgive, Christian parents are called on to exercise discipline and Christian churches to first counsel with and then if necessary exclude those who are openly immoral. These requirements call for a balance that it is often hard to achieve.
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Top-level comments on this article: (8 total)hi CR,i know there are people like you who are trying very hard to get the masses to love and appreciate one another, and i believe that's what we need, and the more the better.simple kindness-holding the door for someone, letting a car go in front of you in line, talking nicely with the cashier as she or he rings your order. such small acts of kindness, yet they could change the world.i guess we just have to keep trying,thanks for sharing with us,my best regards,sue
Absolutely. Once I lived having to look over my shoulder as a younger man because of unkindness. Now, trying with effort to be kind at least makes me at peace with self. I had to learn, and practice. Thanks again for the comment. This is a series from my latest book to be published, "When She Danced In June." It starts with I. Thanks again for the comment
Reverend-what a great reminder of our goal as Christians. Love is not an easy action, but it is what we are called to do! Thanks for sharing!
I am very appreciative. This is a series from my latest book to be published, "When She Danced In June." Thank you so much.
Hi Dr. Rucker.Thank you for a well written, inspirational article. I enjoyed reading this insightful piece.Blessings,Nenita
Nenita, thanks a lot. I know you know what I am saying, sometimes you just sit and write. Then the next thing you know, there it is. Something just nag your inside.
Getting better and better, Dr! Thank you for sharing such inspiring words with us.
Thank you Ronyae.
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