Freedom to Love

November 12, 2023 Background Scripture: Romans 13:8 - 10; 1 Corinthians 13:8 - 13 Lesson Passage: Romans 13:8 - 10; 1 Corinthians 13:8 - 13 When we speak of biblical love, we should be careful to distinguish what is meant—especially from a Greek language perspective. Greek is the original language of the New Testament writings. There are several Greek words that are translated as love in English. We need to know which of the Greek words was translated for the passages of scriptures under consideration. In today's lesson, both passages in our Background Scripture use the word love as translated from the Greek word agape. This Greek word, agape, is used in religious literature to denote a peculiar type of benevolent love. This benevolent love is determined by the one who loves and not by the one who receives such benevolence. When God demonstrates such benevolence towards mankind, it is always based on mankind's need as determined by God. Jesus is God's greatest display of agape. God's benevolence is always extended without selfishness. This type of benevolence is peculiar because it is motivated by the needs of the one receiving it. Christians learn to show this type of benevolent love because we have first received such love from God. I dare say that is the only way such love is possible in us. We can love in this manner because God demonstrated this love for us. And as He demonstrates it, God transforms us. Unselfishly being motivated by the needs of another person is not a natural human response. Most natural human responses flow in both directions; we give and expect to receive because of our giving. For example, people are more likely to show affection because we desire to receive affection. It is very selfish behavior. We are motivated by what we want for ourselves. In fact, if we continue to not receive, it is very likely that we will stop giving! Our actions show that we are slaves to our own needs and desires, and not trying to minister to the needs of others. Agape is a different type of behavior in people. It is totally unselfish and not self-serving. When we see the need in others and are motivated to meet that need, then our action brings us joy to know that the other person is better afterwards. The motivation for us to extend this benevolent love to others does not come from our flesh. Therefore, agape doesn't allow our flesh to enslave us as an act of selfishness. There is no unintentional pain resulting from unmet fleshly desires on the part of the one extending such love. Paul's conclusion in his letter to the church in Rome is that this benevolent love fulfills the entire Law. He also informed the church located in Corinth that this benevolent love is enduring. Paul described it as the greatest of the three abiding graces of God: faith, hope, and love. Because it is of God, it takes on His eternal nature. One can practice benevolence without love, and one can practice love without benevolence. It is only when both occur as a response to the needs of the other person that we find freedom in expressing benevolent love towards them. That is one reason we embrace the fact that it fulfills the Law. Attempting to fulfill the Law by adhering to its precepts always leads to bondage. The weakness of our flesh ensures enslavement as an outcome of attempting to be righteous by keeping the Law. But if there is going to be freedom in demonstrating love to a neighbor, it will only occur as we allow the agape of God to flow from Him and through us. When we practice that, then we pay the debt of love we owe others and we find the freedom to love! Robert C. Hudson October 27, 2023