Mortality and Divinity: Love

Embark on a journey through “Mortality and Divinity,” where each step uncovers the transformative power of Christian Virtues, beyond mere ideals, into the essence of a life shaped by Jesus’ love and grace. Delve into faith, hope, love, and more as we explore living as accurate reflections of God’s image. These virtues are concepts and invitations to deepen our relationship with our Creator and those around us. Together, let’s discover how these virtues weave into the fabric of our lives, guiding us to shape our communities and the world with the love of Christ.

“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:3–11, ESV)

The path to growing as disciples is paved with virtues like knowledge, patience, godliness, and brotherly kindness; we should be drawn toward the pinnacle of Christian character: (ἀγάπη) love. This love is not just a virtue among others; it is the very essence of what it means to walk in faith, reflecting the divine nature of God, as revealed in the profound simplicity of 1 John 4:8 and 16: “God is love.”

‌However, the path of agapē love is often clouded by misconceptions. It transcends our earthly understanding, inviting us to explore its depths through the lens of grace and truth.

In seeking to understand agapē love, we are guided by the wisdom of 1 Corinthians 13, a passage that illuminates love’s actual attributes. Love is patient and kind; it does not envy or boast, is not proud, and does not dishonor others. It is not self-seeking, easily angered, nor does it delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. This love is not passive; it is an active, living expression of God’s will towards us and our call to reflect that love to others, including our spouses (Ephesians 5:25), our brethren (1 John 3:14), strangers (Matthew 22:39), and even our enemies (Matthew 5:44).

The divine narrative teaches us that love, in its truest form, does not neglect justice. It’s evident in God’s actions throughout the Bible, such as the punishment of sin and the temporal consequences that follow. From the flood in Genesis 6-8, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19, to the direct interventions against individuals like Nadab and Abihu in Leviticus 10:1-2, Uzzah in 2 Samuel 6, and Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11, God’s love encompasses righteousness and justice. Christ, embodying this perfect love, did not hesitate to cleanse the Temple (John 2:13-17), rebuke the Pharisees (Matthew 23), demand commitment from His disciples (Luke 14:26f), and confront false teachings (Matthew 15).

This comprehensive understanding of love extends to our interactions and responsibilities. It challenges us to embrace the complex aspects of love, such as the discipline of children (Hebrews 12:6; Proverbs 3:12; 13:24), the just punishment of criminals (Romans 13:1-7), and the necessary withdrawal from those who walk disorderly (2 Thessalonians 3:6; 1 Corinthians 5; Matthew 18:15-17). In doing so, we align ourselves not with a worldly conception of love but with a divine love that seeks all souls’ ultimate good and redemption.

As we strive to live out this agapē love, let us anchor our actions and decisions in the examples set forth by the Lord. Let our love for our enemies, neighbors, and one another be a living testament to God’s love in our hearts. This is not just the crowning virtue but the essence of our faith, a beacon of hope and grace that mirrors the love of God in a world in desperate need of it. By walking in agapē love, we fulfill our highest calling, crafting a legacy of compassion, righteousness, and unwavering love that echoes through eternity.

‌‌~PW 🌮🛶