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CHRISTIAN LOVE
LORD’S DAY, JULY 3
Philippians 1:9-11

2 Peter 1:2-10

 

“Blessed are they that

keep his testimonies…”

 

CHRISTIAN LOVE
 
There are certain virtues that must be a part of every believer’s life if he is to grow spiritually. Although the Apostle was in prison, he continued to pray concerning this need. The particular virtue he was concerned about in this prayer was love.
 
As we grow spiritually, our love for the brethren and the Lord will also grow. The worldly idea of love is based on and guided by one’s emotions. But true Christian love is guided by the Holy Scripture. Christian love is a love that is filled with “knowledge,” compassion and concern for the needs of others, while being directed by a correct understanding of godly things.
 
Not only must our love be guided by a proper knowledge of what is right, it must also involve the use of discernment. Discernment selects and applies to each situation in life the information that is furnished by knowledge from God. Cold, clinical, unused knowledge, even of divine things, is of little value. Our Christian knowledge must constantly be applied to our lives.
 
Christian maturity is always marked by action based on knowledge of God’s truth (Heb 5:14). Love that is truly Christian is directed by a deep knowledge of God’s Word which causes us to act properly. When guided by such love, we are able to “approve things that are excellent” (Phil 1:10). This means that we will be able to recognise the proper action for a Christian in any given situation.
 
The result of following such guidelines is that we will be able to finish the course of life “sincere and without offence” (Phil 1:10). We will have a clear conscience before God (Acts 24:16). And our lives will be marked with the fruits of righteousness and thus bring honour to the God who has saved us.
 
THOUGHT: Love guided by Scripture brings joy and satisfaction.

PRAYER: Father, guide me to love in Thy way.

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