The Christian life is built entirely on love. It is central to the believer’s life. However, the love of many has begun to wane, and many have forgotten why they serve. The word “love” is loosely translated in English. The Greek word “agape” refers to God’s unique kind of love.
Romans 5:5 says, “And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love.”
The Holy Spirit is love personified. After being born again, He dwells within the believer and expresses the God-kind of love from the inside out.
God wants us to demonstrate this kind of love. Unfortunately, many believers today do not show this sacrificial love. The lack of the God-kind of love in believers is one reason the world is in its current state. This love equips, empowers, and goes the extra mile for others. However, gatherings today often focus on what God can do for people, making the relationship transactional. This self-serving attitude is contrary to the kind of love that comes from God.
1 Corinthians 13:3 says, “If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.”
It’s remarkable to think that one could die as a martyr yet lack true love for people. When believers have all their needs met, they might stop serving God because they were serving for personal gain.
1 Corinthians 3:10-14 reveals that, on that day, the Lord will test the motives of our hearts to evaluate the nature of our works.
Attributes of Love
Love has attributes, and we will focus particularly on the aspect of rejoicing in love.
John 13:35 says, “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
There is a distinctive signature of love in the Scriptures. There are three kinds of rejoicing you will find in the hearts of those who love God:
1. Rejoicing in the God of your salvation – Habakkuk 3:17-18 says, *”Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!”*
When it seems like you aren’t seeing results, you still rejoice in the God of your salvation. God’s love within you is reason enough to rejoice. Many people serve God for material things. Do you find completeness in God even when your bank account is empty? The fact that you are saved and will be raised on the last day is enough reason to rejoice in the God of your salvation. Jesus is more than enough.
2. Rejoicing in trials and persecutions for Christ – Romans 5:3 says, *”We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.”*
Many believers today do not experience persecution. They hide their faith at work, and any slight policy change becomes an excuse not to share their faith. In Luke 6:22-23, Jesus tells us that those who are persecuted for His name’s sake are blessed. Have you ever been persecuted for Jesus? If not, perhaps you are playing it safe. 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 reveals that when we live for Christ, it is in all areas of life, not just part. We no longer live for ourselves.
3. Rejoicing as those who rejoice in heaven – Luke 15:7 says, *”In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!”*
One thing that causes heaven to rejoice is the salvation of souls. Unfortunately, this is often not the primary passion of our hearts as believers. There is something fundamentally wrong with that. Many believers would rather gather for miracles or be in the spotlight than focus on winning souls. There are things we pursue, but there are also things that come to us. The things that come to us result from loving what God loves.
Love up to go up means that those who love God have special reserves stored for them. Things work together for good for those who love God (Romans 8:28). There are things prepared for those who love Him (1 Corinthians 2:9). When we seek God first, things will be added to us (Matthew 6:33). God gave us His best, so we give God our all in return. His love compels us to love.
