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Christians often hear that God loves them. This truth is repeated in church, and believers often recite Bible verses on the topic. Yet, do we really grasp what it means to be cared for in this way by the Creator of the world? Love is the foundation of our faith. It is the greatest commandment given by Jesus: to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind and to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew) 22:37-39).
The Christians in Corinth had trouble getting along. Paul was urging them to work together, to affirm the contributions and value of everyone. God calls his people to enjoy life in full communion and unity with him and each other. Therefore, this love that Paul is talking about here is unconditional, without strings attached or any expectation of favors done in return. There are two aspects of his love.
First, God’s love isn’t influenced by anything within or around us because it is one of God’s unchanging attributes. We know that even while we were still living in sin, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). We didn’t do anything to earn his love, and we can’t do anything to hinder it.
Second, divine love is eternal. Believers will never be separated from it. Ephesians 1:4 tells us that the Father chose us before the foundation of the world. So, we know that his care for us has always been a fact and always will be.
Then how does a community or a person that has a history of not getting along, learn to live together? Paul says in 1 Corinthians, 13th chapter, “Love involves hard work. Love is patient and kind. Love brings honor to others without desire of recognition. Love rejoices in the truth and protects the vulnerable. Love forgives and when possible, offers reconciliation.”
God demonstrated the ultimate love by sending his Son Jesus to die for us (John 3:16). Because of Jesus’ sacrificial, unconditional, and everlasting love towards us, we are called to reflect his love daily. There are many peole and things in the world that we have put in powerful positions. When we look at the whole of life, we cannot help but to realize that love is the most powerful virtue in all of creation. “And now these three remain: Faith, Hope and Love. But the greatest of these is Love.” His love surrounds and protects us forever. May our love for God and others always be a testament to his unfailing love. Amen.
Pastor Andrea (Rev. Andie)
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