Let's Get Active 2 - Active Love

Love = God; God = Love

1 John 4:7–8 (NKJV)

7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.

8 He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, Abridged in One Volume ἀγαπάω, ἀγάπη, ἀγαπητός

The Words for Love in Prebiblical Greek.

l. erán. This is the passionate love that desires the other for itself. The god Eros compels all but is compelled by none. In Plato érōs symbolizes fulfilment, in Plotinus desire for union with the one. What is sought in érōs is intoxication or ecstasy. Reflection is good, but ecstatic frenzy, while sometimes viewed with horror, is greater. érōs masters us and confers supreme bliss thereby. Religion seeks the climax of experience in transmuted eroticism (cf. the fertility cults). But érōs can transcend the sensory world. In Plato it issues in creative inspiration. In Aristotle it has (or is) a cosmic function as the force of attraction that maintains orderly movement. In Plotinus it is an impulsion beyond the senses toward the point of coincidence. Even in these forms, however, the original idea is that of erotic intoxication.

2. phileín. This signifies solicitous love, e.g., of the gods, or of friends. It embraces all humanity and entails obligation.

3. agapán. This term has neither the magic of erán nor the warmth of phileín. It has first the weak sense “to be satisfied,” “to receive,” “to greet,” “to honor,” or, more inwardly, “to seek after.” It can carry an element of sympathy, but also denotes “to prefer,” especially with reference to the gods. Here is a love that makes distinctions, choosing its objects freely. Hence it is especially the love of a higher for a lower. It is active, not self-seeking love. Yet in the Greek writers the word is colorless. It is often used as a variation for erán or phileín and commands no special discussion. The noun agápē occurs very seldom.

A FATHER'S LOVE

A father had told his son he would send him to sleep in the attic with only bread and water for his supper if he disobeyed. Well, the boy disobeyed and was sent to the attic. But the father couldn’t eat. He had his son on his mind and his heart.

His wife said, “I know what you are thinking. But you must not bring the boy from the attic. It would cause him to disobey again. He would have no respect for your word. You must not cheapen your relation as his father by failing to keep your word."

The husband replied, "You are right. I will not break my promise. But he is so lonely up there." He kissed his wife goodnight, entered the attic, ate bread and water with his son, and when the child went to sleep on the hard boards, his father’s arm was his pillow.

The Characteristics of Love Are the Characteristics of God

1 Corinthians 13:4–8 NKJV

4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.

In his book “Sons: a Father’s Love,” Bob Carlisle shares this incident that happened with his Father. “When I was 12, a surprising thing happened. Dad asked me to go fishing with him. He was a busy executive, rarely around on weekends. We got along but never had a serious conversation unless I was in trouble at school. I was flattered.

“On Saturday we headed for the marina, rented a boat and found a promising spot. Once we were settled, Dad said, ‘Son, I can see that you’re changing from a boy to a man and that’s a good thing. But I think you may also find this to be a confusing time.’

“Dad proceeded with the coming-of-age-talk. At times he groped for words, but he didn’t miss a thing. When he’d finished, I sat there, feeling the movement of the boat and the wind in my hair, wondering if I was dreaming. ‘Dad,’ I said, ‘having you talk to me like this is what I’ve always wanted, but I didn’t think you’d want to.’

“He smiled and shook his head. ‘I’ve always had a hard time talking to you kids. But I want you to know I care about you, that I’m here if you need to talk to me about anything.’ I don’t remember if we caught any fish that day. I do remember finding out for the first time that my dad really was my friend” [--Carlisle, Bob. Sons: A Father’s Love (Word, 1999), quoted in Men of Integrity, Vol. 3 No. 3 p. 47.].

Love Is the Most Excellent Way

In 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 Paul mentions the following spiritual gifts:

The word of wisdom

The word of knowledge

Faith

Gifts of healing

Workings of miracles

Prophecy

Discerning of spirits

Different kinds of tongues

Interpretation of tongues

It doesn’t seem like this is a comprehensive list of all the spiritual gifts, but that he mentions these merely as examples, for later in the chapter he adds:

Gifts of helping

Gifts of administration

Also, he mentions 3 ministry gifts/offices:

28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.

He also writes:

1 Corinthians 12:5–6 (NKJV)

5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.

6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.

1 Corinthians 12:7 NKJV

7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:

But then Paul adds: “The manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.” In other words, gifts of the Holy Spirit are meant to be profitable, to meet a need. Paul writes further about the body where the members are different (he means that not everybody has to have the same spiritual gifts) and that the members of the body should care for each other. In this connection (care for each other) we also need spiritual gifts.  And then he ends the chapter with: “But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.” 1 Corinthians 12:31.

A more excellent way

1 Corinthians 12:27–31 NKJV

27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. 28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.

I can receive spiritual gifts by faith, I can fight for them and I can practice using them. But if I don’t think about helping people and if I am missing a care for people, I can quickly go astray. Then it is easy for me to start believing that the spiritual gifts alone give content or value to those who use them. Then I am being motivated by the wrong thing and soon I will start thinking about honor and being great in the church. Then even envy and jealousy can become my motivation to use spiritual gifts

That’s why Paul writes: “I show you a more excellent way,” and then comes 1 Corinthians 13. He uses a lot of words to warn us and assure us that we are nothing if all we have is spiritual gifts. And he explains that it is quite possible to use the spiritual gifts without love. You could almost think that all of those who use spiritual gifts have love, almost as if they were one and the same. But that’s not the way it is!

1 Corinthians 13:1–3 NKJV

1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.

Love is the Motivator

These are Paul’s Final Instructions to the Church at Thessalonica:

1 Thessalonians 5:12–24 NKJV

12 And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves. 14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. 15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies. 21 Test all things; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil. 23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.

This time Paul Goes in Reverse Order: He mentions active love first then spiritual gifts:

Amplified Says: “19 Do not quench [subdue, or be unresponsive to the working and guidance of] the [Holy] Spirit. 20 Do not scorn or reject gifts of prophecy or prophecies [spoken revelations—words of instruction or exhortation or warning]. 21 But test [d]all things carefully [so you can recognize what is good]. Hold firmly to that which is good.”

A more excellent way (better than just receiving the spiritual gifts as gifts of faith) is when love is the motivating factor. Then it is like a person who has found water in an oasis and is desperately looking for a container so he can bring water to someone who is dying in the desert. Spiritual gifts are like such a container. The container isn’t terribly useful by itself, but when it is used by somebody who has love and who has themselves found what can give life to a thirsty soul, then it becomes useful. And in this context, it is also stupid to think about getting honor from your fellow Christians.

Love Must be Real

Romans 12:9–21 NKJV

9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. 17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Romans 12:9 KJV 1900

9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

DISSIMULATE -

verb (used with object), dis·sim·u·lat·ed, dis·sim·u·lat·ing.

to disguise or conceal under a false appearance; dissemble:

to dissimulate one's true feelings about a rival.

verb (used without object), dis·sim·u·lat·ed, dis·sim·u·lat·ing.

to conceal one's true motives, thoughts, etc., by some pretense; speak or act hypocritically.

In other words: Acting one Way but feeling another - undramatic

The Greek word we get our word hypocrite from:

5273 hypokritḗs (a masculine noun derived from 5259 /hypó, "under" and 2919 /krínō, "judge") – properly, a judging under, like a performer acting under a mask (i.e. a theater-actor); (figuratively) a two-faced person; a "hypocrite," whose profession does not match their practice – i.e. someone who "says one thing but does another."

[5273 (hypokritḗs) was commonly used of actors on the Greek stage. When applied in the NT, it refers to a hypocrite.

Masks were an essential part of the Greek Theatre, and provided means of transformation. The actor was able to put on a second face and transcend everyday life, taking on a theatrical persona.

Strongs Concordance:

5273 hypokritḗs (a masculine noun derived from 5259 /hypó, "under" and 2919 /krínō, "judge") – properly, a judging under, like a performer acting under a mask (i.e. a theater-actor); (figuratively) a two-faced person; a "hypocrite," whose profession does not match their practice – i.e. someone who "says one thing but does another." [5273 (hypokritḗs) was commonly used of actors on ...

Love is Active

Romans 12:9 Amplified Bible

Love is to be sincere and active [the real thing—without guile and hypocrisy]. Hate what is evil [detest all ungodliness, do not tolerate wickedness]; hold on tightly to what is good.

Romans 12:10–21 ESV

10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.