Love That Binds
1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the parent loves the child. 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. 3 For the love of God is this, that we obey his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome, 4 for whatever is born of God conquers the world. And this is the victory that conquers the world, our faith. (1 John 5:1-4)
The book of 1 John is a letter that was written to a church in turmoil. One faction had left the church because they didn't believe in the divinity of Jesus, they believed that their spiritual awakening was more important than living "right", and they thought that this understanding made them superior in faith to those they were leaving behind. The writer of this letter - believed to be the Apostle John, disciple of Jesus along with his brother James - endeavored to encourage those who had been left broken and confused by the split. He reminded them that because of their belief in Jesus they could overcome the trouble and heartache of this world, and he emphasized that loving God and one another would be both the path to that victory and the evidence of their faith.
Being in relationship with others guarantees that there will, at times, be friction. Disagreement may be a given, but animosity doesn't have to be. Loving others, seeking their good, won't always feel like rainbows and roses, but it should always look like patience and respect - even if we don't feel like we are getting that ourselves. Unless abuse is present, choosing to turn toward another, when turning away would be easier, is an act of love. All in faith are our brothers and sisters, and family is often messy. But love is mandatory - supporting one another in the best of times and bearing with one another in the worst of times. Remembering, with gratitude, how God supports us and bears with us should enable us to do the same for one another with joy rather than as a burden. May we learn to sing the song of life in harmony - each singing and playing our own part, while
rejoicing in the melody God creates.
1 O sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things. His right hand and his holy arm have gotten him victory. 2 The LORD has made known his victory; he has revealed his vindication in the sight of the nations. 3 He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God. 4 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises. 5 Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody. 6 With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the LORD. 7 Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; the world and those who live in it. 8 Let the floods clap their hands; let the hills sing together for joy 9 at the presence of the LORD, for he is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity. (Psalm 98)
