Let Love Define Us

Most folks realize the importance of love in their lives. I cannot imagine a life without love in it. We have spouses, children, grandchildren, family, and friends we dearly love. Many have pets they love and cherish. We all have this deep need to love some living creature and to be loved back.

Sadly, we often do not see loved displayed in the world. Wars occur where lives are taken and unspeakable atrocities are carried out on innocent men, women, and children. In politics, party affiliation is often demonstrated by hatred and contempt for the other side. In Ireland, India, Africa, and other countries, citizens are killed simply because of different religious beliefs.

Here is the United States, racial tension, crime, and political unrest result in deaths, riots, looting, and mayhem. As Christians, we can be swept away in the emotional fallout and develop resentment, bitterness, and even hatred. Jesus instructed us to let love define us (Matthew 5:43-46). Early Christians lived under pagan Roman emperors, corrupt government officials, tax collectors who overcharged, and Jews who hated Christians. Yet, in this evil, hate filled environment, Jesus said, we are to love our enemies and do good to those who hate and misuse us.

I know many things are occurring in America we do not understand, but God is in control today just like He was in the first century. Please do not let current events or worldly people skew your Christian perspective. We are to love God and love our fellow man.

The apostle John put it this way, "For this is the message you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another" (1 John 3:11). Brothers and sister, let love for God, His commandments, and others truly be what defines us. In doing this, we will truly shine as stars in this crooked and perverse generation (Philippians 2:15).

Stay true to the Word,