Love for Others

King David is described as a man after God's own heart (Acts 13:22). While there are many qualities of David we should emulate, I want us to consider just one in this article -- his love for others.

David showed love for a broad range of people. We can see the love and kindness he shared with his friends, namely Jonathan (1 Samuel 18:1; 2 Samuel 1:26). He loved his enemies, sparing Saul's life twice when he had opportunity to kill him (1 Samuel 24:1-4; 26:2-11). Both instances came when Saul was pursuing David in order to kill him. We also see David's love given to those in need with the example of him caring for Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9).

We must demonstrate love for our friends and brethren (1 John 4:11). But like David, we must do more than this (cf. Matthew 5:46). We are to love our enemies (Matthew 5:44). We must show love and kindness to those who are in need (Ephesians 4:28; Romans 12:20). David shows us an example of love. Christians are to be recognized as such by their love (John 13:35).

David was a man after God's own heart. So while we can learn from his example of loving others, we should remember that God is our perfect example. "God is love" (1 John 4:8). He demonstrates His love for His friends, which Jesus said are the ones who follow His commands (John 15:14), by saving them. Jesus is "to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation" (Hebrews 5:9).

God loves His enemies. Paul said that it was "while we were enemies [that] we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son" (Romans 5:11). "God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son" (John 3:16), and this came when the world was not on friendly terms with Him.

God also loves the needy -- not just those who are monetarily poor (James 2:5; Matthew 11:5), but those who are "helpless" in their sins (Romans 5:6). God offers salvation to all those who need it, before we are worthy to receive it. Because in reality, we will never be worthy of God's grace. He offers to save us because He loves us. Let us respond to His love appropriately, by submitting to His will in humble obedience (John 14:15), and "be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us" (Ephesians 5:1-2).

"Come"

"The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come.' And let the one who hears say, 'Come.' And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost" (Rev. 22:17).

This is an invitation for salvation that has been extended by Christ. It is for all who need the water of life. This means that it is for all, for "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Rom. 3:23) and "the wages of sin is death" (Rom. 6:23). All who wish to obtain the gift of salvation and be saved from their sins may come.

There are three entities mentioned that help extend the message of salvation. The Spirit -- who revealed the message to the apostles (Jn. 16:13), which we have recorded in the Bible. The bride -- the church of Christ (Eph. 5:24,31-32). And the one who hears -- those who have believed and obeyed the message of salvation.

Let us use the word, the church, and our own individual lives to help extend the Lord's invitation to a lost world.

PBT - June 2008

The June issue of Plain Bible Teaching is now online with the following articles:

• The Ancient Paths by Andy Sochor
• Predestination by Tim Haile
  
• Instrumental Music in Worship to God by Andy Sochor
• The Disciples were Called Christians by Andy Sochor
  

You can read the new articles by clicking on the link below. I hope you may find the new material helpful to you.

Plain Bible Teaching