Bible Thoughts

November 2, 2003

Love: "And this is love, that we should walk after his commandments"(II John 6)

Is there any more powerful word than the word love? The love from God has been extended to men from the creation. This love was manifest at its greatest in the sending of His son to die on the cross for our sins. Can you imagine giving your son as a sacrifice for all men, for the most despicable person to the most dedicated righteous person? Only the greatest love could have moved Jehovah to give his only begotten son for sinful humanity. When we love the Lord, we will do all that we can in His service, keeping the commandments that he has given to mortals.

Hope. "Having therefore such a hope, we use great boldness of speech"(II Corinthians 3:12). The apostle Paul did not hesitate to speak the truth to all of those who would listen to the message from God. He had been a persecutor of the brethren, but now was a follower of Jesus Christ. With the faith that he had in the Lord, he would speak up for the truth of God's word. He was bold, even in the midst of opposition and persecution. Paul did not hesitate to speak to all men of the truth of God, including rulers who had power to put him to death. The apostle's hope was steadfast and he would not give up his faith, whatever the cost. How strong is our faith--will it support our hope?

Free. "For freedom did Christ set us free: stand fast therefore, and be not entangled again in a yoke of bondage"(Galatians 5:1). The bondage of the Law of Moses had been lifted from the Jews when Christ died on the Cross. No longer would they live as Jews, they would live as Christians. Whether a person is a Hebrew or a Gentile, he can be free of his sins through the blood of Jesus Christ. Is it not foolish that men will accept other yokes that keep them free from the Law of Christ? The commandments of men lead men away from the freedom of Christ as they bear the yokes in which they are chained by such human products. Only the gospel of Christ can make one free. And--in order to stay free, all of us must "stand fast" in the faith.

Work. "So then, my beloved, even as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work our your own salvation with fear and trembling"(Philippians 2:20). While many religious teachers would take the position that one cannot work out his salvation, they are obviously ignoring what an inspired man revealed. The works of righteousness is what saves a person. Those who follow the path of unrighteousness do not have the promise given to the faithful: eternal life. The fear of the Lord, a proper kind of awe, will lead each disciple to work in the Lord's vineyard each day. Paul was encouraging these brethren to work for the Lord at all times. Whether Paul was present or not, they still work for the Lord and His cause. The happiest disciple is the busiest disciple.

Care. "For I have no man likeminded, who will care truly for your state"(Philippians 2:20). Paul was impressed with Timothy's devotion to the Lord. He had enough confidence in the young man that he would send him to comfort the brethren. To truly care requires much effort. While some words may indicate care that encourages a person to some degree, actually being involved with others, helping them in an time of sadness or hurt or need is truly caring for another. These disciples of the early church cared for brethren, setting an example for all of us to follow. Do we truly care?

Bear. "Bear one another's burdens , and so fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2). It is tough, at times, for Christians to handle all that is placed upon them. Each disciple has burdens, some more than others. A helping hand, the proper words and the needed assistance, coupled with the care we have for one another can ease many a pain. The early Christians were eager to assist one another and see that burdens were lifted wherever possible. Paul commended the brethren of Galatia for their willingness to share in the burdens of other brethren. "How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality"(II Corinthians 8:2).

Gave. "And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God"(II Corinthians 8:5). Before a Christian can give to others in a proper manner, one must first give oneself to the Lord and His cause. A wealthy man can give a great sum and be honored by many, but it is useless unless he first gives himself to the Lord. A preacher of eloquence can be acclaimed by many, but unless he preaches all of the truth from his heart, he only deludes himself as he gives false hope to others.

Good. "So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good to all men, and especially toward them who are of the household of faith"(Galatians 6:10). Good is defined as, "Having the qualities that are desirable or distinguishing in a particular thing"(Webster). The qualities of a Christian are seen in the good that a disciple lives and practices. The good can be seen in his family, by the helpfulness toward his neighbors, by those in the work place, by the brethren, and most of all--by the Lord. Our world, however, has been filled with all sorts of ungodliness and iniquities. It is fast becoming a rarity to find "good folks." What makes good folks anyway? Is it not conduct and behavior and practicing the words of Christ and inspired men? Faithful disciples know what is good and make it their goal to be righteous in all phases of life.

True. The desire of the Almighty is that men, above all else, be true to the Lord and His word. "Let us draw near with a true heart in fullness of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience: and having our body washed with pure water" (Hebrews 10:22). Truth should fill a person's heart(mind). Only truth can save one from error and sin. When we draw near to the Saviour, it must be out of a heart of true dedication and love for the one who died for each of us. There is much falsehood in the world. Such error may, at times, invade the heart of a disciple or be found in a local congregation. The only cure for false teachings is the word of God. It contains all the truth as pointed out when Paul stated to a ruler, "I am not mad, most excellent Festus, but speak forth words of truth and soberness"(Acts 26:25).