{"id":4795,"date":"2021-08-19T23:26:19","date_gmt":"2021-08-20T04:26:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/heavens-beauty.info\/wp-hb\/?page_id=4795"},"modified":"2021-08-19T23:26:19","modified_gmt":"2021-08-20T04:26:19","slug":"love-is-a-very-important-idea-for-christians","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/heavens-beauty.info\/wp-hb\/?page_id=4795","title":{"rendered":"Love is a Very Important Idea for Christians"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"The<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cChristians should be Loving to all People\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Jesus taught that the greatest commandments were to love God and to love our neighbors.<\/span><\/p>\n

He said that those two commandments summed up all the commandments that God gave to Moses. In the same way, people like Paul and John wrote how love should be a major part of every Christian\u2019s life. Because it is such an important idea to understand, it is helpful to see what the Bible tells us about love.<\/span>
\n<\/b><\/p>\n

IN THE OLD TESTAMENT<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

In the Old Testament, sexual love is talked about in the stories of Adam and Eve, Jacob and Rachel, and in the Song of Songs.<\/span><\/p>\n

A higher form of love, involving loyalty<\/b>, steadfastness<\/b>, and kindness<\/b>, is expressed by the Hebrew word hesed<\/b>, which is sometimes translated as \u201cloyalty\u201d<\/span> (2 Samuel 22:26<\/b>).<\/span><\/p>\n

More often, however, this Hebrew word is translated as \u201csteadfast love\u201d<\/b> or \u201cloving-kindness.\u201d<\/b> The true meaning of this significant word is clear in Hosea 2:19-20<\/b>: \u201cI will make you my wife forever, showing you righteousness and justice, unfailing love and compassion. I will be faithful to you and make you mine, and you will finally know me as Lord.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The meaning is also clear in Job 6:14-15<\/b>, where kindness is contrasted with treachery and evil, and in 1 Samuel 20:8<\/b>, which described a loving-kindness based on a covenant. This unshakable, steadfast love of God is contrasted with the unpredictable moods of the idols that some people worshiped. The Hebrew word hesed<\/b> is not an emotional response to beauty, merit, or kindness.<\/span><\/p>\n

Instead, it is a moral attitude dedicated to another person\u2019s good, even if that other person is not lovable, worthy, or responsive (Deuteronomy 7:7-9<\/b>).<\/span><\/p>\n

This enduring loyalty, rooted in an unswerving purpose to do good things, could be stern. In the Old Testament, many of the prophets warned the people of Israel that God, in his love, was determined to discipline his people if they disobeyed him.<\/span><\/p>\n

But even with discipline, God\u2019s love does not change. During the years when the people of Israel were in exile, God\u2019s love persisted with infinite patience. God did not abandon the Israelites even when they were disobedient. God\u2019s love has within it kindness, tenderness, and compassion (Psalms 86:15<\/b>;103:1-18<\/b>; 136<\/b>, and Hosea 11:1-4<\/b>).<\/span><\/p>\n

However, its chief characteristic is a moral obligation for another person\u2019s well being. Even though God\u2019s love was unconditional, he did expect the Israelites to respond to his loving acts. God\u2019s law encouraged the Israelites to be grateful for God\u2019s redemption of the Israelites (Deuteronomy 6:20-25<\/b>).<\/span><\/p>\n

God expected the people of Israel to show this by being kind to the poor, the defenseless, the foreigners among them, slaves, widows, and all people who were suffering from any type of cruelty. Hosea similarly expected steadfast love among the people of Israel to result from the steadfast love God had shown for the Israelites (Hosea 6:6<\/b>, 7:1-7<\/b> and 10:12-13<\/b>).<\/span><\/p>\n

Because of this, love for God and for \u201cyour neighbor as yourself\u201d<\/span> (Leviticus 19:18<\/b>) are linked in Israel\u2019s law and prophecy. While there are other types of love described in the Old Testament, the most important type of love described in the Old Testament was based around three main ideas: God\u2019s love for the Israelites, the moral quality of love, and the close relationship between love for God and loving one\u2019s neighbor.<\/span>
\n<\/b><\/p>\n

IN THE NEW TESTAMENT<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Of all the Greek words used to describe love, eros<\/b>, which means sexual love, does not occur in the New Testament. The Greek word, Phileo<\/b>, which means natural affection, occurs about twenty-five times, and Philadelphia, which is used to describe brotherly love, occurs about five times. Storge<\/b>, a Greek word used to describe natural affection between relatives, also appears occasionally. By far the most frequent Greek word for love used in the New Testament is agape.<\/span><\/p>\n

Agape refers to moral goodwill that comes from respect, principle, or duty rather than attraction. Agape is very similar in meaning to the Hebrew word hesed<\/b> because both of them involve a sense of dedication. Agape specifically means to love the undeserving, despite disappointment and rejection. Agape is especially appropriate for divine love.<\/span>
\n<\/b><\/p>\n

IN THE SYNOPTIC GOSPELS<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

In a sinful and suffering world, Jesus demonstrated his divine love through his compassion and his acts of healing for people in distress. He also showed great concern for people who were alienated and in despair. Because of this, the kingdom Jesus spoke about offered good news to the poor, captives, blind, and the oppressed (Matthew 11:2-5<\/b>, Luke 4:18<\/b>).<\/span><\/p>\n

In addition, the attitude Jesus had toward people who were despised or grieving assured them of forgiveness and a welcome return to God\u2019s family (Luke 15<\/b>). Jesus\u2019 forgiveness was free and he only required people to accept it by being repentant and faithful. In addition, the love Jesus taught carries its own obligations. People who want to practice Christian love may love God and love others in the same way God does (Matthew 5:44-48<\/b>).<\/span><\/p>\n

The first and greatest commandment in God\u2019s law is \u201cYou shall love the Lord your God. . . . And a second is like it; You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the law and the prophets\u201d<\/span> (Matthew 22:35-40<\/b>, RSV; Leviticus 19:18<\/b> and Deuteronomy 6:5<\/b>).<\/span><\/p>\n

The first commandment is not identical with, lost in, or simply fulfilled by the second commandment. These commands are separate laws. Jesus\u2019 ideas about loving God are clearly illustrated by his own habits of public worship, private prayer, and absolute obedience to God\u2019s will. Love for one\u2019s neighbor is not specifically defined anywhere, but there are numerous examples of what it is.<\/span><\/p>\n

In the parable of the good Samaritan, Jesus shows that a \u201cneighbor\u201d<\/b> is anyone near enough to help, and love involved whatever service that neighbor\u2019s situation demanded. The parable of the sheep and goats shows that love includes feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and people in prison.<\/span><\/p>\n

And in Jesus\u2019 life, we learn that love heals, teaches, defends people who are despised, grants forgiveness, and comforts people in pain. We are to love others as he has loved us. This type of love does good works without expecting anything in return, never returns evil with evil, and practices thoughtful understanding that tempers judgment. To Jesus, the worst type of sin was the refusal to love. This included the refusal to do good, ignoring destitute people at one\u2019s own gate, and withholding forgiveness.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lovelessness<\/b> was made worse by self-righteousness and ignoring other people\u2019s distress in order to preserve a petty ritual or regulation. It also, means not caring about how other’s feel about things they are going through, it is NOT just about themselves, it is NOT just about their needs and wants….. LOVE is GREATER<\/b> than oneself.<\/span><\/p>\n

In the end, Jesus said that obedience to the law of love will determine each person\u2019s eternal destiny (Matthew 25:31-46<\/b>).<\/span>
\n<\/b><\/p>\n

IN THE WRITINGS OF PAUL<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

The apostles who helped start the first Christian church quickly understood the revolutionary idea that love is enough. Paul\u2019s declaration that love fulfills the entire law is almost a straight quotation from Jesus.<\/span><\/p>\n

His explaining of various commandments against adultery, killing, stealing, and coveting is summarized in loving, because love can do no wrong to a neighbor (Romans 13:8-10<\/b>).<\/span><\/p>\n

Ephesians 4:25-5:2<\/b> makes the same point in another way. In this passage, all bitterness<\/b>, anger<\/b>, lying<\/b>, stealing<\/b>, slander<\/b>, and malice<\/b> are to be replaced by tenderness<\/span>, forgiveness<\/span>, kindness<\/span> and love<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

For Paul, love is \u201cthe law of Christ,\u201d<\/span> and it is supreme and sufficient (Galatians 5:14<\/b> and Galatians 6:2<\/b>). Paul also writes that the only thing that \u201cavails\u201d<\/b> in Christianity is \u201cfaith working through love\u201d<\/span> (Galatians 5:6<\/b>). He insists that the supreme expression of the Holy Spirit\u2019s work that all Christians should desire is \u201cthe more excellent way\u201d<\/span> of love (1 Corinthians 12:27-13:3<\/b>, Romans 5:5<\/b> and Galatians 5:22<\/b>).<\/span><\/p>\n

In the most famous passage about love in the Bible, Paul contrasts love with five other expressions of religious belief that the people in Corinth greatly wanted. Paul shows that each of these expressions is nothing without love (1 Corinthians 13:1-3<\/b>). He ends the chapter by comparing love with faith and hope, the other enduring elements of Christianity, and he says love is the greatest of all.<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul\u2019s description of love in action includes acts of mercy<\/span>, hospitality<\/span>, avoiding revenge<\/span>, restoring and supporting other people<\/span>, kindness<\/span>, forgiveness<\/span>, encouragement<\/span>, and withholding criticism<\/span> , giving of yourself<\/span>, giving of your blessings<\/span><\/b>, never get angry or show disrespect to other’s<\/span>, be non- accusing<\/span><\/b>. The list is almost endless.<\/span><\/p>\n

Briefly, love does no harm and never neglects doing good for others<\/b>. It is God\u2019s law. According to Paul, God showed his love for us by sending Jesus to die for our sins.<\/span><\/p>\n

Because of his great love, he granted us eternal life through Jesus Christ.<\/span><\/p>\n

We live in that love, we conquer evil with that love, and nothing can separate us from that love (Romans 5:8<\/b>, 8:32-39<\/b>, 2 Corinthians 13:14<\/b>, Ephesians 2:4<\/b>, 2 Thessalonians 2:16<\/b> and Titus 3:4-5<\/b>). Our love reflects the love first \u201cpoured into our hearts\u201d<\/span> (Romans 5:5<\/b>), and it is directed toward Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 7:1<\/b>, 16:22<\/b> and Ephesians 6:24<\/b>) and toward people whom we love for Jesus\u2019 sake.<\/span><\/p>\n

IN THE WRITINGS OF JOHN<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

What John thought about and wrote down forms a very crucial part of the Bible\u2019s teaching about love. For John, love was the foundation of everything that had happened when he wrote, \u201cGod so loved the world\u201d<\/span> (John 3:16<\/b>, 16:27<\/b> and 17:23<\/b>).<\/span><\/p>\n

The only way we know about love at all is because Christ laid down his life for us (1 John 3:16<\/b>).<\/span><\/p>\n

Love is the fundamental belief of all Christians because God himself is love (John 4:8<\/b> and 16:1<\/b>).<\/span><\/p>\n

We know this by Jesus\u2019 coming to earth and by his death on the cross (1 John 4:9-10<\/b>).<\/span><\/p>\n

Because of these things, we know the love God has for us and believe that love itself is divine.<\/span><\/p>\n

It follows that \u201che who loves is born of God.\u201d<\/span> \u201cHe who does not love does not know God.\u201d<\/span> Such a person \u201cis in the darkness,\u201d<\/span><\/b> \u201cis not of God,\u201d<\/span> and \u201cremains in death.\u201d<\/span> No one has ever seen God, but \u201cif we love…God abides in us\u201d<\/span><\/b> and we are able to have a close relationship with him. God\u2019s love came before anything else. If we love at all, it is \u201cbecause he first loved us.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Our love is directed first toward God, and John writes quite a bit about what our love of God involves.<\/span><\/p>\n

It demands that we \u201cdo not love the world,\u201d<\/span> that we \u201ckeep his word [and] his commandments,\u201d<\/span> and that we love our Christian brothers and sisters.<\/span><\/p>\n

We received this commandment from Christ, \u201cthat he who loves God should love his brother also,\u201d<\/span> for \u201cif God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.\u201d<\/span> In his writings in the Bible, John stressed the importance of duty and love for others in our love for God.<\/span><\/p>\n

Indeed, if one closes his heart against his brother or sister, \u201chow does God\u2019s love abide in him?\u201d
\n<\/span><\/b><\/span>
\nChristians should be loving to all people (2 Peter 1:7<\/b>).<\/span><\/p>\n

John insists that God loved the whole world (John 3:16<\/b>, 1 John 2:2<\/b> and 1 John 4:14<\/b>).<\/span><\/p>\n

In addition, if Christians cannot love each other, there is no way it will flourish outside of the church (1 John 3:18<\/b>). John believed that the commandment to love God and people was the most important aspect of the true Christian life.<\/span><\/p>\n

Because of this, he does not go into detail about the many different expressions of love. When John describes love in action, he recalls Jesus\u2019 words about \u201ckeeping commandments\u201d<\/span> and \u201claying down life\u201d<\/span> in sacrifice (John 15:10<\/b>, 13<\/b>, and 1 John 3:16<\/b>).<\/span><\/p>\n

He also mentions how love notices a brother\u2019s need and shares what he has to help anyone in need (3:17<\/b>). As brief as these expressions are, they embody the very heart of Christian love. John believed that love was a real thing and it could not be something easy or sentimental.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Christian idea of love can only be fulfilled within a group of Christians who fellowship together.<\/span><\/p>\n

In the Bible, love is not an abstract idea.<\/span><\/p>\n

Love is rooted in God\u2019s being, and it is expressed in Jesus\u2019 coming to earth and his death on the cross.<\/span> All Christians experience God\u2019s love when they come to believe in Jesus, and they practice this type of love among themselves.<\/span><\/p>\n

Because God is love, it is central, essential, and indispensable to Christianity.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/i> \"Loading\"<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\u00a0\u201cChristians should be Loving to all People\u201d Jesus taught that the greatest commandments were to love God and to love our neighbors. He said that those two commandments summed up all the commandments that God gave to Moses. In the same way, people like Paul and John wrote how love should be a major part […]<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/i> \"Loading\"<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":406,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"wf_page_folders":[],"class_list":["post-4795","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/heavens-beauty.info\/wp-hb\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4795","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/heavens-beauty.info\/wp-hb\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/heavens-beauty.info\/wp-hb\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/heavens-beauty.info\/wp-hb\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/heavens-beauty.info\/wp-hb\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=4795"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/heavens-beauty.info\/wp-hb\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4795\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/heavens-beauty.info\/wp-hb\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/406"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/heavens-beauty.info\/wp-hb\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4795"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"wf_page_folders","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/heavens-beauty.info\/wp-hb\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fwf_page_folders&post=4795"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}