The Importance of Love & Doctrine
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Mark 1:22 And they were astonished at His doctrine: for He taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.
John 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
Rom.16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
1 Tim.1:3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
Titus 2:1 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:
There is a lot of confusion and confrontation when it comes to love and doctrine. Many argue that love is more important or love is enough! On the other hand, there are others who emphasize more on doctrine and avoid others who don't agree with them.
So it is important and much needed today to understand these two essential cardinal truths of the Scriptures and their place in our spiritual life as well as in the life of the church.
Let us begin with what the Lord said. In John 14:23, the Lord said, If you love Me, keep My commands." This simply means that your love for the Lord must be shown in your obedience to His commands. In other words, obedience clearly shows that you love Him and when you don't obey His Word, you have no love for the Lord! He did not say, just love Me, that's enough! He said, you must keep my commands, if you really love Me! Amen.
True love for God motivates you to obey and practice His Word. Love doesn't compromise on the revealed and inspired truth of God's Word. Compromise leads to ruins and retards our spiritual lives. Compromise nullifies your convictions based on the Word of God.
Love for God and His Word develop and help to cultivate strong convictions for our faith and practice.
Love never rejoices in evil, nor supports or promotes falsehood.
Love makes every effort to promote and propagate sound doctrine.
Love honors God's Word above everything and everyone!
Love motivates a father to chasten and discipline his son to save from perishing.
Love judges, tests, prunes and corrects or even cuts off the error so you can grow in the truth and righteousness.
Love makes the obedient life fruitful and flourishing.
Love prompts you discern and take hold of the good (Acts 17:11, 1 Thess 5:21).
Love never tolerates wrongdoing nor keeps silent when others are being misled or stray away from truth.
Love takes initiative and involves itself in proclaiming, practicing, defending the truth and sound doctrine.
And love never associates with or accepts or approves anything that is not sound in doctrine!
And love does not have fellowship or (intimate) friendship with unrighteousness or unbelievers.
Love always seeks and focuses above all to bring glory to God in everything.
Let us love each other abundantly and honestly but believe, practice, teach and defend the sound doctrine without compromising.
"And now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love." 1 Cor. 13:13.
