LOVE ONE ANOTHER
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. (Galatians 6:9)
Even though we are not of this world and should set our minds on our future home with Jesus, it is important to remember that we are to love our neighbors around the world. This is taught throughout the Bible (see What the Bible says).
We may be tempted at times to think that we, in ourselves, are in some way above or better than others because we are saved. Such prideful thoughts weaken our trust in Him and hinder our compassion for those who need it most. It is only by His grace and His mercy that we are saved.
Being heavenly minded means focusing on God's Kingdom which should lead to a desire to be humble servants of our Lord while making our pilgrimage on earth. Being servants of our Lord means obeying His commands. And obeying His commands requires that we sacrificially love and serve others - even those who hate us (Lk 6:27-36). This is so they can see God's love in us and possibly come to know Him and share in His future inheritance with us.
When we demonstrate God's sacrificial love, others may take advantage of us, misunderstand us, "step on" us, etc. But did not Jesus accept these conditions and more? Should we aim for less? See Phil 2:5-11.
WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS (click on the underlined verses to read them) - Old Testament Only
First read the Bible's precious description of what love is. 1 Co 13:4-13
No matter what we do, if we do not have love, we are nothing. 1 Co 13:1-3
Loving God and loving others are God's greatest commands. Mt 22:36-40, Mk 12:28-31, (see note)
The law is fulfilled simply as: Love your neighbor as yourself. Rom 13:8-10, Ga 5:13-15
You must love your brother. If you hate, you cannot love God. 1 Jn 4:20-21
Entrance into God's Kingdom will be based on how we love others. Mt 25:31-46
He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 1 Jn 4:7-21
Jesus asks that we love as He loved - and He gave His life for His friends. Jn 15:9-14, Eph 5:1-2
Love means laying down our lives for others. We must love in deed. 1 Jn 3:10-23
Love strangers. Dt 10:19-21
Love even your enemies. Lk 6:27-36, Mt 5:38-48, Pr 25:22
The Good Samaritan demonstrates love across cultural and racial boundaries. Lk 10:25-37
Don't even think evil against your neighbor. Zec 8:16-17
When we love all people with the God's love, God establishes our hearts blameless. 1 Thes 3:12-13
We should follow Jesus' example of serving others. Jn 13:12-17
The freedom God gives us should be used to serve others through love. Ga 5:13-15
James calls loving your neighbor the "royal law" of Scripture. Showing partiality to people is sin. James 2:8-10
Love one another with a pure heart. 1 Peter 1:22-25
Don't hold grudges, love your neighbor as yourself. Le 19:17-18
Give even your enemies the things they need. Rom 12:9-21
Our doing good (as bondservants of God) helps put foolish men to silence. 1 Pe 2:13-17
Love covers all sins. Pr 10:12
All we do should be done with love. 1 Cor 16:13-14
Don't hold grudges, love your neighbor as your self. Le 19:17-18
Love strangers. Dt 10:19-21
Don't even think evil against your neighbor. Zec 8:16-17
Love covers all sins. Pr 10:12
Remember, the greatest command of all commands is to love God with all your heart, mind and soul. (see Mt 22:36-40, Mk 12:28-31). That means loving God above any human being. Jesus made this clear in Matthew 10:37-39.