What Is True Love In Christ

What Is True Love In Christ?

by: Bishop Edward L. Tatro, Jr

My brothers and sisters please take a moment and pray with me. Oh Lord, cleanse the thoughts of my mind and anoint my lips and heart that I may teach Your Word according to your Will. Amen.

Webster’s Dictionary defines the word Love: as a strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties, affection based on admiration, benevolence, or common interests. Webster further defines it as: unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another: as the fatherly concern of God for humankind, brotherly concern for others, and a person’s adoration of God.

Yes brethren we see that this word Love has a few meanings yet they are all tied together and one. We love our families, our partners, our friends, and we love our God and with that love comes deep and unending respect.

Therefore, before we get to what true love in Christ is, we first need to see what the Scriptures describe love as.

Song of Songs 8:6-7 New International Version: “Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away. If one were to give all the wealth of his house for love, it would be utterly scorned.”

What is the Scripture telling us? The Word is telling us that Love is as strong as death; it cannot be bought for any price. Love is priceless even the richest king can’t buy it. Love must be freely accepted as a gift from God, and then bestowed and shared with everyone to be fully felt.

John 3:16 New Living Translation: " For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”

In this very verse my brothers and sisters God sets the pattern of true love, the foundation for all love relationships; when you love someone dearly you are willing to give freely to the point of self sacrifice. God also showed us that by offering His Son to die for our sins, that He has for us what is called Agape Love, meaning Unconditional Love.

Now this brings me to the question, how do we love others as Christ loves us? The answer to this may just also be the answer of today’s question.

John 15:12-13 King James Version: "This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. "

We may not have to die for someone, but there are other ways to show sacrificial love: listening, helping, encouraging, sharing and giving. Think of someone today who could use this kind of love; and give all the love you can, and then give an ounce more. Remember that it is easy to love, yet easier to hate, so remember to love as much as you can and don’t let society win and let you hate!

Romans 13:10 The Message: "You can’t go wrong when you love others. When you add up everything in the law code, the sum total is love."

My brethren, Jesus does not leave loop holes in the Law of Love. Whenever love demands it, we must and should go beyond all human “legal” requirements and emulate the God of Love.

Matthew 10:42 New Living Translation: "And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded."

How much we love Jesus and God our Father can be measured by how well we treat others. So to fully answer the question: What Is True Love In Christ? We can surely see that the ultimate sign is when you lay down your life for a friend; as well as, showing love to all, even to those whom you feel do not require it or deserve it.

My brothers and sisters, I leave you with two questions to ponder in your hearts, minds and souls. How would you respond if Jesus asked you: "Do you love me?” and "Are you even my friend?”