Let Love Be The Bond
14 Above all, put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.
Colossians 3:14 (CSB)
Love is the connecting bond that unites all garments. Apostle Paul urged the Colossians to love, emphasizing that love from Christ is the divine link that binds believers. Today, believers should recognize that our love for God is reflected in our love for others. It is love that functions as the adhesive, keeping us united in our relationships.
Love is a Command. In John 13:34, Jesus issued a new commandment to his disciples, instructing them to love one another. This call to love is not simply a suggestion to improve your life but a command from the Lord that must be obeyed. Jesus didn't just tell believers to love; He set the example by giving His life on the cross. This act of love established the standard for genuine love that God expects from us.
Love is Vertical. The Bible instructs believers to love the Lord with all their hearts, minds, and souls (Mark 12:30). This highlights that our love’s main focus should be solely on the Lord. Our vertical love must be wholehearted and not divided. When we love the Lord correctly, He becomes the central focus and authority over every part of our lives. This vertical love is mutual; we love the Lord, and He loves us in return. His love for us is steadfast (Lamentations 3:22-23) and unconditional (John 3:16). This vertical love from the Lord empowers us to love others horizontally.
Love is Horizontal. As followers of Christ, we find unity in love. Our ability to love others stems from choosing to obey the Lord’s command to love, rather than arising from feelings or emotions. Horizontal love towards others persists even when they are unlovable, driven by our recognition of the command to love. When we love each other in this proper manner, we help the body of Christ grow into a strong community, united by something greater than personal preferences, likes, or wants. The foundation of this community is Christ, and its expression is genuine love for one another. Living in this love publicly proclaims the message of the cross and invites others to unite with Christ through faith.
Love Demonstrated. Throughout history, the church has faced conflicts that led to battles, such as the worship wars. These wars focused on differences in musical style and approach during services, often dividing people into sides favoring contemporary music or hymns. These conflicts sometimes caused church drama and even splits. However, there were also times when love was evident, as churches united despite their differences. Sides would set aside their preferences to collaborate and focus on lifting up Christ. These instances of unity reflected love both vertically and horizontally, lived out in the lives of believers.
QUESTIONS
How does my life in Christ reflect in my love for others?
How can I love someone this week who is hard for me to love?
