Today we shift gears a bit and answer a question about our Christian behavior, namely, whom are we supposed to love?
This question, and answer, is from our book "Winning the Spiritual War" Question 14. It can be found under the heading of Christian Living on our website educatingourworld. As always, it is a free download...
The Bible says that the badge of the Christian is love. Indeed, the world will know us by our love. It is indeed the test of truly knowing God.
Therefore, who specifically should love? What does the Bible command?
First, and above all, we are to love God. This should be our highest priority.
Next, we are to love fellow believers. In fact, Jesus said that the world will know that we are His disciples by our love for one another.
Third, we are to love our spouses. Husbands are to love their wives, and wives their husbands. And of course, both spouses are to love their children!
Fourth, we are to love unbelievers. This is something we should never forget. In fact Paul said that the love of Christ controls us, or constrains us, to reach out to those who do not know Jesus.
Fifth, we are to love our neighbor. This is a simple way of saying that we are to love everyone, believer and unbeliever alike. Again, this includes those who are not easy to love.
Finally, we are to love our enemies. This, of course, is something that we need supernatural strength to do. However, we are commanded to not only love our enemies but to pray for them also.
To sum up, as we study the Bible and gain more knowledge of what it teaches, we should never forget this first and most important command, namely, we are to love.
May the Lord help us show this love to everyone in our daily lives!