Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. 1 John 4:7
Dear People Who Keep Company with God,
If there was ever a time when we need to be purposeful in loving one another, it is now. The world is plunging deeper and deeper into darkness and despair. Political, racial, and cultural divisiveness has grown to the point that violence in our streets has become almost a nightly occurrence. People are afraid, weary, and broken. Jesus warned us that the “love of many would grow cold because of lawlessness.” (Matthew 24:12) Historically, the church has been where we sought comfort and community in unsettling times, but the contentiousness has filtered into sanctuaries across our nation. We have more finger-pointing at each other than perhaps at any time in modern history.
Despite all this, the church still can shine forth the light of Christ in our dark world (Revelation 1:20). Bearing His light is a tremendous privilege and responsibility. Revelation chapters 2-3 record messages from the Lord Jesus to seven churches in Asia Minor, modern-day Turkey. These letters are as vital for us as they were for the ancient church. He gave them words of encouragement and correction along with a promise for “he who overcomes.” Today, they identify the kinds of struggles we face and provide us with insight into overcoming our trials.
It is appropriate that Jesus addressed the church at Ephesus first because they had the most significant issue. They had left their first love (Revelation 2:4). Was Jesus talking about a love for God or a love for each other? You can’t separate passion for God from the love for others. I have always believed He was talking about love for God, but based on what Paul spoke to the church in Ephesus, now I know it includes brotherly love. Earlier, Paul wrote to the Ephesians, “Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God’s people everywhere, I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly” (Ephesians 1:15-16). Paul praised them for their love for one another.
The Lord chose the Apostle John to write the Book of Revelation. He lived the longest of the original disciples, and as he aged, his message became more and more precise: love one another. The following is from Jerome’s Commentary on Galatians. “The blessed John the Evangelist lived in Ephesus until extreme old age. His disciples could barely carry him to church, and he could not muster the voice to speak many words. During individual gatherings, he usually said nothing but, “Little children, love one another.” The disciples and brothers in attendance were annoyed because they always heard the same words and finally said, “Teacher, why do you always say this?” He replied with a line worthy of John: “Because it is the Lord’s commandment and if it alone is kept, it is sufficient.”
Love is the universal truth in heaven and earth. When we stop expressing our feelings or deeds towards those we love, life becomes rigid, empty, and cold. Relationships weaken for the lack of attention and expression that they deserve. Let God’s love go down deep into your souls. Invite the Holy Spirit’s power to stir you to lay aside the things that divide and truly love one another as Christ has loved you.
Many Blessings, BW