In recent days, I wonder where the love is? I see anger, hate, revenge, and criticism. Where’s the love?
Love distinguishes believers. Jesus said, “A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34-35 NIV). Jesus gave a diagnostic tool to the entire world to test whether one is a follower of his simply on the basis of their love. That’s a high standard.
The early believers, surrounded by paganism, convinced their neighbors in the Greek and Roman cities of the reality of Jesus Christ because of their love. One pagan said of Christians, “Oh, how those Christians love.”
It was this expression of enthusiastic love that would distinguish Christ’s followers and the community they shared. The most radical teaching of Jesus was love. In a world filled with hate and violence and indifference, Jesus confronted his disciples with the command to love. Jesus wanted his disciples to reflect in their behavior toward each other what Jesus had done for them. And that is to love each other. Everything Jesus did was dripping in love. The essence of his teaching was rooted in loving God and loving each other. To take love out of the gospel was to miss Jesus’ teaching by a mile.
The world may forget what we say, but they will never forget how we love. Discover how love can impact your life and your world in the eBook Chapter 13: The Excellence of Love.
Follow these links to purchase your copy: Amazon; Barnes and Noble; Google.
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About Rick Ezell
I am a husband, father, pastor, and writer.
This blog is about shaping character, transforming church, and impacting culture. I believe that if one defines their moments then their moments will determine their character and their character will influence their world.
I write on personal development, church leadership, and our changing culture. I also write about the resources I am developing and the books I am writing.
My goal is to create challenging, relevant, and inspiring content that will help you be a better person, the church be a better parish, and the world a better place. If you are interested in those things, this blog is for you.
I have served the church my entire career as a student minister and senior pastor. I studied at Samford University, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Northern Baptist Theological Seminary (eventually I will get it).
I have written eight books. My most recent ones are Chapter 13: The Excellence of Love and Soul Therapy: The Healing Words of Psalm 23. Both are available as eBooks. I have written over 1000 articles for various local, regional, and national publications.
I have been married to Cindy for thirty-three years. We have one wonderful daughter. We live in Greenville, SC.
In my free time, I enjoy writing, reading, running, tennis, and golf.
You can contact me via email or follow me on Twitter or Facebook.
This is my personal blog. The opinions I express here do not necessarily represent those of my employer. The information I provide is on an as-is basis. I make no representations as to accuracy, completeness, correctness, suitability, or validity of any information on this blog and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its use.
