Proper Love For Each Other

I understand that some people have a natural inclination towards being given to affection, but yet others do not. I also realize that just because one may not seem affectionate towards others does not necessarily mean that they are uncaring or unfeeling. What I cannot understand, however, is a person who is stone-cold and doesn't feel any compassion for anyone else whatsoever.

Have you ever felt lonely and unloved? I have. I generally feel that way when people withhold their companionship and/or fellowship from me. I hate to be cliche', but "no one is an island" fits here. We Christians are each others' support group and we shouldn't desert each other. Some people, for reasons that are a mystery to me, do not want the companionship and fellowship of their fellow Christians. I really don't understand that. Why wouldn't you want someone around who obviously cares for you? My only theory, and it's only that, is that they're being secretive about something that's bothering them. Okay. You don't have to tell all, but spending time with people of like faith will only strengthen you and help you overcome whatever is holding your heart and mind prisoner.

1 John 3:10 says that anyone who does not love his brother is not a child of God. Verses 11-24 of that same chapter go on to illustrate what loving and not loving entail. Verse 15 says that if we hate our brethren we're the same as a murderer and not eligible for eternal life. In fact, verse 16 goes on to state that we ought to lay down our lives for each other. For example, let's say I see that you're about to be hit by a speeding truck. You can't hear me yell and there's no time to spare. I run and shove you towards the curb and the speeding truck hits me instead and I die. That's love in action.

1 John 4:7 says, "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God, because God is love." Here's they why and how of Christian love:

1. We're commanded to love each other. It is mandatory (1 Jno. 2:7-11; 3:23; 4:7-11, 16-23; Jno. 13:34-35; 15:12; Heb. 13:1; 1 Pet. 2:17). This is not talking about a "touchy, feely" love, but rather, one that has others' best interests at heart. Honestly, I can love someone and still not like a lot of things about them.

2. Loving our brethren is important because it binds us together (1 Jno. 3:1-3, 10-24; 4:20-5:3; 2 Jno. 4-6).

3. We show our love for each other by:
a. actions and not words (1 Jno. 3:11-18);
b. our unflagging labors (3 Jno. 5-8);
c. wanting what's best for others (3 Jno. 2,9-11); and
d. the show of a pure, genuine, impartial heart (1 Pet. 1:22-23).

Lastly, sometimes love is hard. Sometimes it means you have to say something truthful for an individual's own good rather than allow them to keep feeling good about something they shouldn't. Remember, the devil is the father of all lies (Jno. 8:44-47). While Christians should temper our confrontations with each other with tact, we should also respect each other enough to be truthful with each other. Proverbs 27:6 states, "Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses."

Go out and show your love for your brothers and sisters by your actions.

Love Ya,
God Bless!