We continue to discuss ways that love is misunderstood today. In order to truly practice love, we must understand what it is.
Real love is demonstrated by actions. Love is more than emotional feelings of affection for another. One may say he loves someone, but it means nothing without demonstration by actions as God demonstrates His love by actions. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) If God were to say He had feelings of love and affection for us, but yet refused to act to help us by sending Christ to die for us, such wouldn’t be love nor worthy to be called “love”.
We are commanded to love God. (Matthew 22:37) A person can say they love God, but without demonstrating it by their actions of obedience, it is not genuine love. One who loves God seeks His will, glorification and puts God first in their life above all else. Let’s look at some scriptures which teach this. “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15) “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings …” (John 14:23-24) Jesus showed us how to love God. “But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do…” (John 14:31)
We are commanded to love our neighbors. (Matthew 22:39) Just as God demonstrated His love by His actions, we demonstrate our love by our actions. Another description of “agape” love is “active goodwill.” We see this kind of love demonstrated in Matthew 5:44 where “active goodwill” blesses, does good, and prays for one’s enemies.
Another misunderstanding about love is thinking that love will overlook sin in another’s life. Some will accuse those who point out sin in others as being unloving. But the truth is that helping others to overcome sin in their lives is the most loving thing that can be done for another person. Remember that the “agape” type of love revealed by God seeks the highest good of others. What is more in the best interest of a person than the salvation of their eternal soul? “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26) Sin leads unto spiritual death. (Romans 6:23; James 1:15)
God says that sin will cause one to be lost. This fact is the truth of God’s word. (John 17:17) God’s love does not excuse sin at the expense of His truth. God will punish evildoers. We must not, in the name of a false love, excuse, tolerate or overlook sin in our own life or another’s. Be assured God will not overlook sin. (Hebrews 2:2; 10:28-29) We are commanded to reprove the unfruitful works of darkness in Ephesians 5:11. The Hebrew writer said about Christ, “Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity …” (Hebrews 1:9) In imitation of Christ, let us love sinners enough that we act to help them forsake sin and seek God’s merciful forgiveness.