How imperfect are we? Most of us can easily see that we are not perfect when perfection is the absence of sin. We are sinners, and we know that. But the presence of sin in our fallen nature is part of our nature, therefore, it tends not to convict us of our imperfection. We already know it, and we already know that Jesus has taken care of this sin problem for us. We can now stand before our holy God, cleansed by the blood of His Son.
Then let’s look at it from a different viewpoint, from the angle of LOVE.
Matthew 22:34-40, NKJV
34 When the Pharisees heard that He had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. 35 Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying, 36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?”
37 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
God, our creator, the God we worship, is perfect love. He tells us that love, loving Him and loving each other, is our calling in life. In other words, love is very important. Let’s go into the Bible and find out what God tells us love is and see how we measure up to it.
What is love?
Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18, NKJV
1 The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.
15 ‘You shall do no injustice in judgment. You shall not be partial to the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty. In righteousness you shall judge your neighbor. 16 You shall not go about as a talebearer among your people; nor shall you take a stand against the life of your neighbor: I am the Lord. 17 ‘You shall not hate your brother in your heart. You shall surely rebuke your neighbor, and not bear sin because of him. 18 You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.
From Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18, Love is…
- It is fair
- It is humble
- It acts, even when it is difficult
- It forgives
1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, NKJV
1 For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain. 2 But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict. 3 For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit.
4 But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts. 5 For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness—God is witness. 6 Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. 7 But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. 8 So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.
From 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Love is…
- It speaks the truth, even when it is difficult
- It does not seek glory from men
- It is honest and from the heart
- It is sacrificial
Romans 12:9-10
9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;
From Romans 12:9-10, Love is…
- Is not hypocritical
- Hates evil, is sensitive to it
- Platonically affectionate
- Selfless
When we look at these bullet points beneath the verses from Leviticus, 1 Thessalonians, and Romans, how many of them do we perform perfectly? Are we always fair, perfectly humble, quick to forgive, or selfless in our actions? Are we able to act or speak truth and light into difficult situations, calling evil what it is, even if it means others will take offense or result in our own isolation and rejection? Do we look upon our brothers and sisters of the opposite sex in a purely platonic manner? Are we hypocritical, expecting others to do what we won’t? Do we desire the praise of people, and can we be honest about how far we fall short of the biblical standard of love?
I know I can’t check one of these twelve bullet points off as something I am perfect at. Falling short of being perfect love is easy to see, but falling short of every aspect and miniscule detail of that love is revelation.
Check out Chris’s book, Guided by Wisdom, to learn how you can use the Bible to make relevant decisions and for guidance in today’s modern world. And watch for Part 2 of the series, Discovering All that God Has for You.
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