The Core Quality

“Love is the greatest quality.”  It would be hard to argue against that.  It is core character, command and contagion of God and all Christians.  If God is love and He commands us to love one another and the greatest commandment is to love God and similarly others, then we must conclude that to be growing in Christ-likeness, love must be the core characteristic and our practical priority.  This was John Wesley’s secret (or not so secret) ingredient in describing the holy life. 

 

Jesus made the bold prediction that it was by love for one another that everyone would know whether we were really part of His community or not.  Paul wrote that it was the “more excellent way” surpassing the value of spiritual gifts.  We fast forward to the present, where vision statements are the norm.  Mission directives have accompanying strategies for growth.  Charismatic preachers preach in attractive facilities.  Books tell us the three secrets or four keys to life and success. 

 

Still, sitting quietly by is the faint reminder that the only true witness to Jesus’ presence among us is love.  The Bible reminds us to love- “deeply from the heart” (1 Peter 1:22), in action as well as word (1 John 3:18) and in all sincerity (Romans 12:9).  We are absolutely at our best when we “are” and “do” this one thing well.  That last verse in the New Living Translation reads, “Don’t just pretend to love others.  Really love them.”  The places around the world where I see the church growing rapidly and healthily get this right.  They often don’t understand how to articulate a vision statement or build a strategic plan.  But, man-oh-man, they know how to love one another.  Is there a connection?  I think so!

 

Comments

[Rev. Susan D. Wynn]

The most amazing part of it all is that it is not our love, something we drum up or try really hard to do.
It is God's actual love, filling the human heart, turning stone to flesh! When we are filled with God's actual love, we no longer love with human love, but with His divine love. This is the "secret" to the holy life, to the pure heart. It is really no secret, for the Word clearly teaches it. Sadly, though, the message has been lost along the way.

Do you see the difference? It is not just "really loving," but loving with God's divine love which is poured out to overflowing in our hearts when we are filled with the Holy Spirit.