Love God
Christianity is not a list of "do's and don'ts," nor is it simply a behavior modification program. The Christian faith is a relationship, it is a loving relationship with our Creator. John wrote, "Love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice, for our sins" (1 Jn 4:10). We love God, not to be loved by Him, but because we are loved by Him.
Our response to His love is not merely an emotional reaction. It is manifest in our thoughts and actions. Jesus said, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” (Jn 14:23.) This truth provides the foundation for the lives we live.
Serving others has always been a central part of Christian life. It’s more than just doing good deeds—it’s about living out the love of Christ in everyday actions. When Jesus taught the greatest commandment, He said we are to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind. He followed this by instructing us to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mt 22:37-39). This commandment isn’t just about words—it’s a call to action. Through acts of kindness, we show the love of Christ to the world. True love, as the Bible teaches, is not just a feeling but an active choice to care for others, especially those who are struggling or in need.
A recurring theme in Paul’s letters is that of the church as a body, specifically the body of Christ. The Bible does not speak of the church as a building. Whether local, regional, or universal, the church is a specific group defined and set apart by Christ as His special possession. While it is composed of diverse members, it is unified in both faith and purpose. The importance of the unity of the church is clearly expressed in Jesus’ prayer for all His followers, recorded in John 17:21-26. He prayed for the unity of his followers based on the unity between He and His Father, “so that the world may believe” (Jn 17:22).
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