The Positive and Negative
It was a great pleasure to have Pastor John McGuire preach this past Sunday and continue our sermon series on “Labor of Love”. I would like to reiterate something that he said in that message.
A rare Greek word for love is “agapeo” which refers to a selfless, sacrificial, unconditional love. The New Testament frequently uses it to explain God's love for people as well as the love that believers are expected to have for God and each other. This kind of love is exemplified by a devotion to the welfare of others, without expecting anything in return.
When used in a positive way, like how God loves us and wants us to love one another, this kind of love promotes a deeper relationship with God, personal growth, and stronger relationships within the community.
But there is a negative use of this word and this occurs when the target of our love falls on anything other than God and people. In Matthew 22, Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was. He replied in verses 37-40 by stating, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’
On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.” What He was saying was that every law of God is either kept or broken by keeping these two basic laws. When we don’t love with a self-sacrificing “agapeo” love, we sin because we are breaking every other law. The object of our love must fall in two places: God and others.
Jesus used this kind of love to describe the Pharisees. In Luke 11:43 He said, “Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the chief seats in the synagogues and the respectful greetings in the market places.” Rather than pursuing God and loving the people of Israel, they put their mind and hearts into prideful lusts such as the best seats so that others will glorify them. They sought out the approval of men rather than God’s.
We do the same things. Sacrificing to buy a nicer car so that you can have the best and earn the praises of your neighbors. Always buying the newest and best fashions so that others can look at you with envy. Getting even with someone who hurt us. These are all negative aspects of love.
As believers, we must be careful that our love is not misdirected. We must question our motivation for our behavior. As you make decisions in your life, ponder this: Am I doing this to love God or others or am I simply doing this to glorify myself?
These are your Words for Wednesday. Have a great rest of your week!
In Christ,
Kevin
A rare Greek word for love is “agapeo” which refers to a selfless, sacrificial, unconditional love. The New Testament frequently uses it to explain God's love for people as well as the love that believers are expected to have for God and each other. This kind of love is exemplified by a devotion to the welfare of others, without expecting anything in return.
When used in a positive way, like how God loves us and wants us to love one another, this kind of love promotes a deeper relationship with God, personal growth, and stronger relationships within the community.
But there is a negative use of this word and this occurs when the target of our love falls on anything other than God and people. In Matthew 22, Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was. He replied in verses 37-40 by stating, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’
On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.” What He was saying was that every law of God is either kept or broken by keeping these two basic laws. When we don’t love with a self-sacrificing “agapeo” love, we sin because we are breaking every other law. The object of our love must fall in two places: God and others.
Jesus used this kind of love to describe the Pharisees. In Luke 11:43 He said, “Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the chief seats in the synagogues and the respectful greetings in the market places.” Rather than pursuing God and loving the people of Israel, they put their mind and hearts into prideful lusts such as the best seats so that others will glorify them. They sought out the approval of men rather than God’s.
We do the same things. Sacrificing to buy a nicer car so that you can have the best and earn the praises of your neighbors. Always buying the newest and best fashions so that others can look at you with envy. Getting even with someone who hurt us. These are all negative aspects of love.
As believers, we must be careful that our love is not misdirected. We must question our motivation for our behavior. As you make decisions in your life, ponder this: Am I doing this to love God or others or am I simply doing this to glorify myself?
These are your Words for Wednesday. Have a great rest of your week!
In Christ,
Kevin
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