UNCONDITIONAL LOVE (Part II)

UNCONDITIONAL LOVE (Part II)

 Yesterday’s tale of the innocent baby who demonstrated unconditional acceptance of the homeless man challenges both the quantity and quality of our love.  Jesus Christ expressed it best, “Except you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3)  It is far easier to say ‘I love you’ than to truly exemplify agape, the highest of Christian virtues.  Many people proclaim (with apparent ease), “I love everybody!” while acting decidedly different; there must be evidence.

 During elementary school years, our science class explored what is commonly called the ‘Litmus Test.’  This simple test determines whether a substance is acid or alkaline.  If the pH (potential of hydrogen in the substance) is acid, the litmus paper turns red in color when exposed to the substance.  If the pH is alkaline, the litmus paper turns blue.  Acids taste sour.  For example, lemon juice is an acidic substance.  Alkaline substances taste bitter.  For example, ammonia is alkaline.

 Today, we will take a ‘Spiritual Litmus Test’ to determine if our relationships with family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, strangers, or enemies are unsatisfactory (sour or bitter) in one direction are another.

 Spiritual Litmus Test #1

Do I look for (and expect) the worst in others?

 Signs of this type of behavior include…

A tendency to keep mental records of things others say or do that ‘get on my nerves.’

A tendency to speak more negatively, rather than positively.

A tendency to think or say “I told you s/he would do that!  I told you so!”

A tendency to believe others are always being deceptive or lying.

 Biblical Solution: 

I Corinthians 13:5b says love “…thinks no evil.”  Verse 6 says love “rejoices not in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth.”

 Spiritual Litmus Test #2

Do I have a low tolerance for other people who exhibit attitudes or behaviors that are different from mine?

 Signs of this type of behavior include…

A tendency to prejudge people by appearance, color, culture, or socio-economic standing, i.e. to become prejudiced against others simply because they are unfamiliar or different.

A tendency to be strongly opinionated, i.e. having a ‘know-it-all’ attitude about most things.

A tendency to feel that only ‘me and mine’ know how to get things done ‘the right way.’

 Biblical Solution:

I Corinthians 13:4b says love “…vaunts not itself, is not puffed up.”  Verse 5 says love “does not behave itself unseemly, seeks not her own…”

 Spiritual Litmus Test #3

Do I have the ability to forgive or the tendency to hold on to troublesome issues for extended periods?

 Signs of this type of behavior include…

A tendency to hold grudges, i.e. to keep issues alive and active until they impact the way I communicate or interact with others.

A tendency to have a negative attitude that eventually results in critical comments and harsh treatment of others.

A tendency to display childish behaviors, i.e. verbal outbursts or temper tantrums.

 Biblical Solution:

I Corinthians 13:4a says love “suffers long, and is kind.”  Verse 5b says love “…is not easily provoked, thinks no evil.”  Verse 7 says love “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

 The negative behavioral signs outlined above identify sour and bitter personality traits that do not pass the Spiritual Litmus Test.  FYI, there will be NO sour or bitter people in Heaven!  Should you find that these characteristics actually mirror your attitudes or actions, here are some divine prescriptions from The One who is the personification of true love, JESUS CHRIST:  [1] The Golden Rule (Luke 6:31); [2] “Judge not…condemn not…” (Luke 6:37); [3] “…love one another…” (John 13:34-35); [4] “…forgive men their trespasses [and] your heavenly father will also forgive you.” (Matthew 6:14); [5] “…forgive…I say not unto you until seven times: but until seventy times seven.” (Matthew 18:21)  In other words, our forgiveness must and shall be virtually unlimited!

 My friend, let us strive to always walk in unconditional love because GOD IS LOVE, and He must be fully alive within us and dynamically radiating outward in our daily decorum, decisions and deeds.

 I John 4:7-8

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.  He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

 Let’s honestly examine our attitudes and actions. (I Corinthians 11:28)  Let’s love!

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!