There is no subject worthier of our time than the discourse on Love.
1John 4:8 explains that God is Love. There is no higher scriptural definition of Love than this. Besides Him, there is no other (Deu 4:35). What then does it mean to love someone? For lack of a better expression, it means to act towards them like God would. A better way to say this which may not make sense to some is, to love someone is to God them. We are God imitators (Eph 5:1) plus participators (part-takers) in the divine nature (2Pet 1:3-4). What is the divine nature? It is Love! Our default character is Love. We love out of this disposition because Love [i.e. God] begat us. We are children of Love. And thus we are Love’s offspring. We spring from Love.
The more we hang out with God, the more we are able or energized to Love Him and others. Love for the Christian is more than feelings. It is a supernatural phenomenon and according to Gal 5:22, it is a fruit or product of the Holy Spirit in a willing life.
Hence Love is actually a choice we make whenever we choose to give in to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to love through us. The Holy Spirit will not force love through us. We must desire and allow it. Obedience to such a lifestyle of love is the greatest commandment for ALL NT saints and it’s the foundation of all scripture including the Law and the Prophets. 1 Cor13 is the practical application of love in our day to day lives. Anything less is falling short of the mark of the high calling.
Mat_22:40 (Appiah Translation) These two commandments [loving God and our neighbours (incl., husbands loving wives)] sum up and upon them depend ALL the Law and the Prophets.
Love has replaced judgement.
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