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One of the most challenging aspects of the Christian faith, and in human existence is being able to love one another. When one speaks of the word love, some thoughts that come to mind are, romance, compassion, care, charity and warm affection towards another. Love in its true form is the best gift to possess in ones heart but is often times challenged, and criticized by others. According to Greek philosophy, there are three types of love, namely (a) Agape love, which is the love for God our creator, (b) Philos love, which is the brotherly love we have for one another, and (c) Eros love, which is that love shared in romance intimately.
All of the above-mentioned types of love (charity) are important for human existence. However, the focus of this article is on the Philos love that we must share with one another. This is factual in the Christian religion as seen in 1st Corinthians chapter 13 verses 1-2, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.”
The word love today is used in such a callus way that its true meaning has lost its clout in the hearts of many persons who may have been hurt in the past. For example, many persons use the phrase “I love you” to obtain sex, marriages of convenience, or to gain the confidence of a person or persons to obtain personal favors. Some people don’t even want to hear the word ‘love’ mentioned around them. This is no reason to hate our brother or sister through using love as a means of deceit. The scriptures state that in the last days the love of many shall wax cold. Should we as Christian facilitate this prophecy and allow our love for our brothers and sisters to wax cold? God forbid.
As one study 1st Corinthians chapter 13, the Apostle Paul described charity in the most beautiful ways possible. He explained that charity (love) suffers long, is kind, envies not, is not puffed up, does not behave itself unseemly, seeks not her own, is not easily provoked, thinks no evil, rejoices not in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth. He further stated, in verse 13, “And now abide faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.”
Having read some of the description the apostle Paul gave on charity, and accepting it in our hearts, the question still remains. How can we project this love toward one another? The fact that no one is perfect, and there are times we are at odds with each other, the key focus is “forgiveness.” We must be able to forgive one another at all times of their trespasses towards us as Christ admonishes us in the Lord's Prayer.
Christians fighting in war for their country is also questionable as to where is the love in taking the life of another human being? What God would be pleased with such an act? As the law of Caesar mandates various laws of the land for a country, the harsh reality is that war is sometimes apart of that mandate. Does this mean that we as Christians should hate our brother man due to unresolved conflicts? The answer is no. How then can someone love another who is looked at as an enemy? This is done through mutual respect, rendering unto Caesar and the chastisement of death in the case of a war to solve differences. All in the nature of mans existence. The fact that ‘killings and death’ is looked at as ‘taboo’ for many people, the truth of the matter is, most people are afraid of the unknown (life after death). Though God sanctioned many wars in the past, the irony of war has taken on a twist where the love to maintain peace in the world is being challenged with the love to terrorize. In this case love must still stand its grounds. In many instances, these wars and rumors of wars are to facilitate the prophecy of the last days as mentioned in the bible. God destroyed many nations because of sin - not that he did not love the people - but He hated sin. This was His way of chastising them. Many people, including Christians see the use of the rod on a child as violet and barbaric behavior, but Proverbs chapter 13 verses 24 clearly states, “He that spares the rod hates his son; but he that love him chastened him betimes.” Chastisement is a manifestation of love.
Having read some of the various aspects of love, one can see that the only way to posses this level of love is through God. For God is love. One of the ways to obtain this love is to hunger and thirst after God. A way to go about this venture is to give up the self, described in a book written by Albert Hibbert author of the book Smith Wigglesworth that states, “All of self, none of God. Less of self, more of God. None of self, all of God.”
Everyone needs love and acceptance from their peers. Though some persons would deny this statement it is a natural fact of life. Those who cannot obtain love, will go to any length to receive attention, often times, through abnormal behavior. The evil forces that invade our every day life also challenge Christians who should be the shining light of love. As a Christian, one wonders sometimes if we all serve the same God, as Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Many of us allow Satan to deceive us into hating each other through envy and jealousy. The eyes of the world watch our way of life and use it to see love in a negative way. For this cause we must love one another at all times.
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Roderick R. Mckenzie Sr.
I am a writer in Nassau, Bahamas and I feel that my work is good enough to go to the world market. To the world, my writing may seem to be secular and opinionated but, all of my work is divinely inspired by God with Biblical references to prove it. My goal is to teach as many people about Christianity as possible. As a freelance writer I would also like some exposure to the writing market and a possible job as a Christian writer on the Internet.
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