Love DefinedSample

For the last of this series on, Love Defined, we will look briefly at the words of Jesus. How does he define love?

We know his actions and words show his great love, as well as his selfless lifestyle as a servant, and sacrificial death on the cross. And it is the cross that trumpets his redemptive love most profoundly. 

Jesus also states something about love that is quite surprising - maybe not so. Jesus declares that a person who loves him, who confesses to loving him, will do as he says. If they don’t do as his word asks, then they don’t love him, regardless of protests to the contrary. It is a sentimental and dangerous practise to say we love him and yet fail to do what he asks.

It is simply impossible to claim to be a follower of Jesus and not do what he states is the very thing that gives the right to the claim in the first place – keeping his word. 

Our text shows there is a wonderful sequence of keeping the words of Jesus, and thus loving him, that leads to the Father loving us, and then Father and Son making their home with us, by the Holy Spirit. Clearly, it matters to the Father that the Son is heeded. 

Not only we will keep the words of Jesus, but we will want to. Obedience does not have to be arduous or forced. It can as easily be the delighted response of a person who has encountered the living Christ because his words are light and life.   

To sum up, love is defined by Jesus as keeping his word. This is far from a love that is primarily an instinctive or emotive response. Love that only reciprocates is not love enough. 

Love listens and love acts.  

This is love defined. 

If you want to explore more on this topic or read more of Simon’s writing and bible plans, head to www.simonmcintyre.net.