FROM THE SERVANT GENERAL
THE WAY FORWARD IN CHRIST
(Part 188)
LOVE IS THE ANSWER;
BUT WHAT ARE THE QUESTIONS
September 16, 2020
Today’s readings:
1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13
Psalm 33:2-5,12,22
Luke 7:31-35
There are many confusing voices in the world today, and even in our Church, with those voices at times in total contradiction to each other. Each side claims the truth, and wonder why the other side cannot grasp their points of view. Jesus spoke of such a situation. “Then to what shall I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? They are like children who sit in the marketplace and call to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance. We sang a dirge, but you did not weep.’” (Lk 7:31-32). Why do you not dance to our tune? Why do you not emote based on circumstances as we see them and thus feel?
Jesus was referring to those who criticized John the Baptist for being an ascetic, while others criticized him for socializing (Lk 7:33-34). From our perspective today, we see clearly why John and Jesus acted in the ways they did. But people then did not, to the point where they not only criticized them, but called them nasty names: John is possessed; Jesus is a glutton and a drunk.
This is the case all the more today, not just in politics (which might be expected), but also in spiritual circles. How do we know what is the truth? Well, those who are truly of God, like John and Jesus, are children of Wisdom. Jesus in fact is the Truth. The words and works of Jesus are those of divine Wisdom, of which he is the embodiment. So how do we know the truth? Look to who are authentically the children of God, because “wisdom is vindicated by all her children.” (Lk 7:35).
So the next question is: how do we know who are the authentic children of God? It is not just those who manifest spiritual gifts. Consider those who claimed to prophesy, drive out demons and do mighty deeds all in Jesus’ name, but whom Jesus rebuked and even called evildoers.1 Paul does not disparage spiritual gifts but tells us to look to the better way. “Strive eagerly for the greatest spiritual gifts. But I shall show you a still more excellent way.” (1 Cor 12:31).
What is that way? It is the way of love. Even with great gifts, even with great knowledge and mountain-moving faith, if we do not have love, we are nothing and gain nothing (1 Cor 13:1-3).
Now love can be defined, but still, different people will see it differently, so Paul gives certain characteristics of love (1 Cor 13:4-7), which are more observable. Among other things:
* Love “is not pompous, it is not inflated” (v.4b). Humility is a prime Christian virtue. Unfortunately, many in the world today have become proud, due to human achievements. Many look to themselves as gods, doing what they consider good but not to the observance of the laws of God.
* Love “does not seek its own interests” (v.5b). Many today just look to their own well-being, and indulge themselves is whatever pleases them. But the Christian call is to self-denial.
* Love “does not brood over injury” (v.5d). A prime Christian virtue is forgiveness. But in the world, when people disagree with one another, we see more of animosities, hatred, intolerance, violence.* Love “does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth.” (v.6). The culture today has rejected the truth, making what is good bad and what is bad good. Even so-called Catholics approve of and even celebrate divorce, abortion and homosexuality.
So the word love has been misused and abused. How do we discern what is true love? We look to some aspects of authentic Christian love.
First, love is based on God’s word. “For the Lord’s word is upright” (Ps 33:4a). Basically this is the Bible. We cannot claim Christian love if we violate the very commandments of God as clearly taught us in the Bible. For example, active homosexuality is grave sin. But some people, including priests, say, if two gays love each other, what is wrong with that, why can’t they get married? The answer is right there in God’s word.
Second, love is patterned on the works of God. “All his works are trustworthy.” (Ps 33:4b). Jesus did only what was right and good and just and true. When we are confronted by an uncertain situation, we can ask ourselves, what would Jesus do? But because different people would provide different answers, again we turn to what Jesus did say and do as recorded in the Bible. For example, we are not to call other people names. But there are situations where this would be justified, as when the righteousness of God is being egregiously violated. Thus Jesus called the Pharisees hypocrites, blind guides, blind fools, whitewashed tombs, serpents and a brood of vipers.2
Third, love promotes justice and righteousness. “He loves justice and right.” (Ps 33:5a). Authentic love is about what is just and right. Justice is giving to the other person what is his due. Righteousness is adherence to the laws and ways of God. It is striving to grow in holiness, aiming for Christian perfection. So for example, abortion and divorce can never be justified, even if these are legalized by the state. Abortion is an abomination that unjustly takes life from the innocent unborn, a life created by God. Divorce breaks up a family and deprives children of what God intends for them in the provisions of a loving home, aside from being against the design of God.
Fourth, love reflects God’s mercy. “The earth is full of the mercy of the Lord.” (Ps 33:5b). Jesus tells us to be merciful as the Father is merciful.3 Mercy is a prime attribute of God, and it is a prime virtue, making us like God Himself. But it is also misunderstood and even abused. For example, the Christian principle was to hate the sin but love the sinner. That is so true and is still valid. But today, political correctness has entered, and some people within the Church say that we are just to accept, accompany, welcome and embrace sinners but without talking of their sin, because it is offensive.4 This is not authentic Christian love. This is false mercy, as it leaves a sinner comfortable in his sin.
So going back to those two groups of children that were playing the flute and singing, what must be our song? It must be focused on God and His righteousness. “Sing to him a new song; skillfully play with joyful chant. For the Lord’s word is upright; all his works are trustworthy.” (Ps 33:3-4). As we have seen, it is a love song. It is to love God, and by loving God, to love justice, righteousness and mercy. “Love never fails.” (1 Cor 13:8a).
1 See Matthew 7:21-23.
2 See Matthew 23:13-33.
3 Luke 6:36.
4 Check out my podcast on “Offense and Offense” in YouTube.
