Love One Another – Part 2

Jesus desires that we, Christians, love one another.  We know this because Jesus commands us to love one another (see John 13:34,35).  This love is modeled after Jesus’ love for us (“as I have loved you”).  This word love is from the Greek agape, and can be defined as “active goodwill.” This means our love for one another is active, it is seen in our doing loving things for one another.

One way this is done is by going to someone when there is a problem between you and him or her.  The problem must be something other than a difference of opinion.  Paul uses as an example the question of eating meats (see Romans 14; I Corinthians 8) The problem was when meat was purchased at the local market, it may well have been previously sacrificed to an idol.  To eat this meat bothered some people, it caused them to feel they were doing something wrong.  Paul wrote that to eat the meat was not wrong, but if it caused one to feel sinful, that one was not to eat the meat.   He also pointed out those who did not have this problem were to show respect for the one who could not eat.  The one who could not eat, also was to respect the one who could.

The problems that must be discussed and resolved involve sinful actions.  Jesus said, “if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone.” (Matthew 18:25).  Note Jesus said if one trespasses - that is, sins against you, go to the one and seek to resolve the problem.  This is the way Jesus said to resolve the existing problem.  The Lord also provides instructions for the one who will not cooperate with the one who comes: take one or two with you for a return trip, “But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established..” (Verse 16).  If
the one in sin still refuses to correct the problem, “tell it unto the church.” (Verse 17).  If this fails, he church must withdraw fellowship from that individual until such time as repentance takes place.

Another way this love is practiced is by what we do not do.  There is no justification for going to others and attacking a brother of sister in Christ.  The Bible refers to this practice as sowing “discord among brethren.” (Proverbs 6:19) This practice is listed among the things that God hates.  Surely no child of God wants to be guilty of something God hates!  This activity is not only unloving it is also sinful.  One sinful practice does not justify another.

Let us love one another.

—Denny