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"Love One Another" What Does That Mean?

Consider this: soldiers are identified by their uniform, Rastafarians by their dreadlocks, white people by their skin color, and even vegetarians can be recognized by their green diet. However, there is another group that is called Believers. These were ordained by their Lord to be identified by one thing – love. It seems to me that Jesus took very serious the issue of love. Sadly, I don’t think we can say the same thing about many of us disciples of His. I mean, are we really making efforts and striving to not only love each other as believers but also express that love towards the world at large? 

We have allowed the world to romanticize everything about the word “love.” What is defined as being “loving” in today’s terms, is to talk in a certain tone to someone, make yourself smile, and top it off by giving them a weird hug while being very careful about “judging” them for their sinful lifestyle. Biblically, however, love is not that kind of an emotional buzz that seeks to accommodate sin. Rather, it is something more profound. Remember what our Lord called the New Commandment? What then does it really mean to “love one another”?

Room for disagreement
I admire that all of us are hungering for what is right and true. And also to belong with those who have “perfect theology.” However, I fear that in our zeal for truth, we leave no room at all for fellow believers who are not there yet. Such people may have been raised and taught different perspectives about some Biblical truths. While others are still immature believers who have not yet arrived at a higher knowledge about these things. Therefore, proper Christian love is when you don’t hate, and start name-calling those who disagree with you, but you become sympathetic to their weakness, and pray with them without cutting them off as heretics. That is the most unloving thing that has – sadly – infected the modern Church.

Truth Telling/Correction
Thanks to worldly movements, Christians have embraced the false idea that love and truth are enemies. By that definition, no one is allowed to confront a fellow brother about their sin because “don’t judge” you must be “loving.” Biblically, however, love and truth have always been best buddies. As a matter of fact, love rejoices in truth (1 Cor 13:4).  Hence we need to get back to loving one another by telling each other hard, but necessary truth; correcting those who are wrong, rebuking the sinning, and encouraging the struggling. That is part of fulfilling that New Commandment.

Forgiveness
The church is a human environment. Which means sin will always be present. Hence you can be sure that there will be fights, gossiping, and God knows what else can be found among sinners. Therefore, we all need to have long hearts towards each other. My Bible says it this way: Ephesians 4:32-32 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. I find it amazing that we are not only encouraged to love one another but also to love our enemies and to pray for them. That is what distinguishes the Christian faith from other religions.

Genuine Care/Physical needs
I took time to search out the Church in the Book of Acts and tried to draw out some lessons for our time. Indeed, I found outstanding characteristics from those brethren, among which was their care for those in need among them. Scripture tells us that they even sold all their belonging and brought them to the church to distribute evenly so that no one was found lacking among them (Act 4:34-27). I really hope I will not leave this world before I see the same thing happening among the Redeemed of this age. It is rather unfortunate that churches today receive a lot of financial contributions from faithful believers, yet very little, if any at all, makes its way towards the less privileged among us. Only if our hearts could be renewed with genuine care and love for each other, then will we see an improvement in this area. I must also mention that this kind of care must manifest itself in our prayers. Just like the Apostle who would, “with tears” mention specific people in all his prayers. Here is another verse 1 Peter 4:8-9 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.

Friends, I am well aware that we no longer take some of these things very seriously, however, it still does not change the fact that our Lord expects His Sheep to outshine this evil world through their genuine acts of love and care. In fact, I can’t end this without mentioning the greatest love story ever. That is, “God demonstrates His own love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Rom 5:8).” Therefore, now that we have His Spirit within us, we are not only motivated but we are also enabled to love each other unconditionally and sacrificially. Allow me then to throw this question: how are you known? I mean the people that spent time with you at your work or even at home. Can someone witness on your behalf that indeed the grace of our Lord Jesus, the love of the Father, and the fellowship of His Holy Spirit is with you? May it be your prayer point from here onwards.

Romans 12:9-18  Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 

Sinothi Ncube


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