As we began looking at the Disposition of Love over the past few weeks, we found that it was Love for humankind that moved God’s heart to send His Son into the world (John 3:16) and to die on the cross to redeem us from the penalty and power of sin (Romans 5:8).

We also discovered that in addition to being a vital characteristic of God’s nature, Love is the greatest of all Christian virtues (1 Corinthians 13:13), and as such, every follower of Christ is to demonstrate the same love that God has for us to a lost and hurting world. Jesus’ command to love others was clarified in the Gospel of John when He told His disciples,  

“Love one another as I have loved you. By this will all people know that you are my disciples, if you have love one for another” (John 13:34-35; 15:12, 17)

Last week, we focused on John’s Gospel as well as all of his letters to the churches in the first century. But, as I noted above, John wasn’t the only apostle to discuss our need to extend love to others, as both Paul and Peter had much to say about this important disposition as well.

The Apostle Paul wrote to the believers in Ephesus,

“Follow God’s example as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us…” (Ephesians 1:1-2).

And to the Christians in Thessalonica Paul wrote,

“Let your love increase by loving each other more and more” (1 Thessalonians 3:12; 4:9-10).

And to the church in Rome, Paul wrote these words,

“Love one another with brotherly affection…” (Romans 12:10).

“Love is the fulfillment of the law” (Romans 13:8).

Did you catch that? Love fulfills the Law in that when we love others, we will not be breaking any of the Ten Commandments in the Law, including all of the New Testament commandments. When we focus on Love, we will be living exemplary lives that glorify God and honor Jesus Christ.

And the Apostle Peter also weighs in on our need to love as he wrote in his letter to the churches in northern Turkey,

“Love one another earnestly from the heart” (1 Peter 1:22).

“Love one another deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8).

Let me remind you that the word used throughout these passages is agape, which points to God’s unconditional and sacrificial love for others. This love is at the top of the “fruit” listed in Galatians 5:22-23, and therefore, love will be the fruit born if we will walk under the control and power of the Holy Spirit, as the Apostle Paul commands us to do.

Next week, we will conclude our survey of the Dispositions of the Heart which began at Thanksgiving time last year! I plan to take us back to the Sea of Galilee following Jesus’ resurrection where He challenges none other than Peter with regard to this particular Disposition — Love. I hope you will join me.  

Sincerely, Jim Price