Paul writes in 1 Corinthians chapter 13, “Without love I am nothing…”
We often refer to this passage in regard to showing our love to others. But it is equally important that we realize, not only how much we must obey Christ’ command to show love, but also how much we need to be loved as well.
Yes, we are called by God to love our neighbors; but they will not benefit from the love that we show, until they unlock the blessings by loving us back. As a pastor, it doesn’t matter how good my preaching is; if my congregation does not sincerely love me, they will neither listen to nor benefit from my ministry. However, when love is mutual between two or more individuals, a power is released beyond human ability.
We are living in the most exciting time in the history of Christianity. We live in the wealthiest nation in the world, in an age of jet planes, television, radio, and the Internet. For the first time in history, the world is literally at our fingertips.
I wonder sometimes what Peter or the Apostle Paul would have done if they had had all the resources we have at our disposal. God has trusted us with this generation. He did not say, “Go get rich”, “Go have fun”, or “Go impress the world.” He told us to “Go preach.” With no fancy churches or big salaries, twelve disciples (walking nearly everywhere they went) managed to do just that. And by doing so, the gospel has been kept alive to this day. Now the weight is on our shoulders. Think what we could do if we really took it serious!
God’s love reaches far beyond a box of chocolates or a dozen long-stemmed roses. It is grounded in the fact that man is an eternal soul. And God desperately wants us to spend eternity with Him. That was the love Jesus imparted to us when He gave His life as an eternal sacrifice, so that we could be the beneficiaries of a love that truly does last forever.
This is why it is so important for us to be connected to a body of Christian believers. The church is intended to be more than a social club. It is a place where the super-natural gifts of God are to be released, and the people of God can be strengthened to take His love out into the streets on a daily basis.
If you don’t have a church home where power of God’s love flows freely to you and through you, I urge you to find that special place where God can do remarkable things in your life. We need the strength that comes from being loved. And we need to discover the significance of giving it.
Jesus loves you… pass it on!
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
