Characteristics of Love 1

As the old saying goes, “Actions speak louder than words.” It is a simple but paramount statement that identifies required action of the person to prove their desire, mere words will not suffice. Jesus recognized this truth and made sure that it was not only talked, about but further expanded upon by His apostles. Jesus first gives the new commandment while in the upper room right before the crucifixion.

John 13:34-35 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” Jesus wants His children to know that we are to not only to love our neighbor as Leviticus 19:18b “you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the LORD” describes but so much more. We are now told to love one another. This means we are to cross oceans and borders and rivers and streets and still love the people we meet. It is easy to say to love a person, but what does it mean? Jesus gives a hint to upcoming teaching through His apostles by identifying the actions associated with loving on another. Examine what He says at the end, “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” If we love we will be known as His! This means love is not something for each person to make up their own definition of, rather love has already been defined! Love has characteristics that point to Jesus Christ. How ironic the world today has taken the meaning of love and translated it into something it is not. Sin always perverts what God has made. Actions speak louder than words, so to true love will identify us appropriately. Next week we will dive into the characteristics of love and see how Christ had a plan all along. But never forget, the greatest reflection of love came from Jesus Christ in His own actions for us.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL