Dave’s Monday Blast – July 21, 2025

“I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you” (John 13:34). INTENTIONAL men of God know that this is difficult to say the least. But also know that when God gives a command, He also provides whatever we need to obey it.

In the context of John 13, the late Charles Stanley commented: the phrase “love one another” refers to relationships among believers in the church, but loving the way Jesus does benefits all our relationships by encouraging harmony, forgiveness, and peace.”

Using the Word of God, InTouch Ministries defines Biblical love by it’s…
1. Character
2. Source
3. Standard
4. Expression
This week let us examine the first two.

Character: We usually think of love as feelings of affection, but in the Bible, the word refers more to an action of the will than an emotion. Although this kind of love may be accompanied or followed by affection, it’s mainly an other-centered direction of the will. And we see evidence of it by what actions we take, that is, when we choose to do what is best for the other person instead of looking out for our own interests.

Of course, this is where we respond that there is no way we can love like that! That is true. In our own strength, no one is capable of loving people as Jesus does; i.e. sacrificial, selfless, forgiving love, none of which come naturally, but we have Someone who can help us.

Source:  “God is love,” John 4:16 tells us. Note that it doesn’t say He’s sometimes loving, or that love is a part of who He is, but that He is love. This means it’s not something we can work up with self-effort. Only as we’re united to the Father through faith in His Son does the Holy Spirit pour His love into the believer’s heart (Romans 5:5). And as He works in our heart, the fruit of love is produced in us (Galatians 5:22).

Even though God gives us the supernatural ability to love, we play a role in the process. We must PRACTICE loving one another and seek to excel at it even more by His grace (1 Thessalonians 4:9 – 10). We’ll never reach the point of perfect love for others, but we can become better at it as we let the Spirit work in and through us. And never fear my friends…God will give you many opportunities to practice loving others even when you do not find them lovable! To be continued!