Follow the Love

5 The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 6 Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion... 1 Timothy 1:5-6

Paul tells his protégé, young Pastor Timothy that the goal of correct, truth-driven teaching is love. This type of love, Agape, is not a feeling. It is a sacrificial love that voluntarily suffers inconvenience and discomfort for the benefit of another without expecting anything in return.

The Christ-follower is called to agape love through Jesus' example: "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God" (Ephesians 5:1-2).

The false teachers, on the other hand (verse 6), have abandoned truth. Although they talked a lot and tried to impress others with their intellectual ramblings, were helping no one. They lack truth so they lacked love. They were leading people away from Truth, the most unloving thing one could do.

When we humble ourselves before God, putting aside hypocrisy and self-serving agendas, and place our faith in the truth of God's Word, we will freely display love—love for our church, love for our families, even love for our enemies.

Look around at who is influencing you. Follow the love. Are these individuals, news organizations, websites, Facebook friends, etc. displaying love or are they consumed with vain discussions and worldly agendas?

We live in a day of political unrest, racial tension, and a global pandemic. Will you get caught up in vain discussions and neverending arguments or will you love others?  The best way you can show agape love is to focus on the Truth! Point people to Jesus, by Whom God rescues guilty sinners. That’s me and you and all of us. Through Jesus, God rescues guilty sinners from His own wrath. Yes, it will be uncomfortable but that's what agape love does.

And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, He will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. Romans 5:9 (NLT)

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