People love to talk about 'love.' They palaver about it until a definition of it is explained from the Bible. Then, it is quickly realized that love is not mere ill-defined fuzzy feelings but, rather, more intentional actions for the sake of good toward others and God’s truth. It is not a mere 'feel-good-ism' about myself, or, a 'let-others-touch-the-fuzzies' and feel good about themselves. Our culture thrives on an ill-defined emotionalism, sometimes sickenly as mere sentiment and gushy hype.
As per the prophet of old, nowadays truth has stumbled in the streets. No longer are we pointedly determined as to what is right and what is wrong, but rather, will it make me feel good, warm and excited?
And so, when instruction is given that love behaves selflessly in behalf of others, many back off realizing that such involves an others-oriented and God-pleasing lifestyle, and just may cost forgetting my own whims and fancies for a time.
God says: LOVE IS MORE AN ACTION THAN A FEELING. Someone said, "Many love at their tongue's end but the godly love at their fingers' end." Love does not say 'Give me, but 'Let me give you.' Whereas obedience is righteousness in relation to God, love is righteousness in relation to others. The Apostle John poignantly said, "My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth."
And when it comes to loving God, Jesus stated, "If you love me, keep my commandments." He demands complying action. It's for our own good and the immense pleasure of God Himself. It's for our safety and well-being, and the bolstering of our fellowship with Him. Do I love God? My life style gives the answer. Am I truly living obediently to His commands and am I walking in paths of righteousness for His name's sake? John R. W. Stott sums it up so beautifully when he says, "Christian love is not the victim of our emotions but the servant of our will." We must decide for God’s way, both toward others and toward God!
-dick d. christen
