Matters of Faith: Weekly Column.

Love = Carrying Their Load!

By Rev. J. Loren Russell

 

Galatians 6:1-2 NKJV

 

“Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

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Of the many definitions of love found in Webster’s Dictionary for love is found these words: unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another: such as

(1) : the fatherly concern of God for humankind

(2) : brotherly concern for others.

 

If you look closely, you’ll notice that love goes beyond affection and friendship. This definition of love defines secularly what the Greek word agápē defines theologically as benevolence. Benevolence is defined from the Greek word eúnoia, which is kindness; euphemistically, conjugal duty, good will.

 

The common thread we see is a genuine concern for the welfare, or the desire to  carry the load of others which only happens when love is genuine. This type of love creates a servant’s heart. At it’s core, it is a concern for the spiritual well-being of the individual, which is the essence of the human experience. A concern for a person’s spiritual development goes beyond the Law of Moses (The Ten Commandments) and fulfills the law of Christ.

 

The Law of Jesus, in the words of John the Apostle, says “If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.” This is more than a casual concern for the welfare of others. It is a genuine love of God which translates into an authentic desire to carry the burdens of others. You love others because God loves them.

 

Be Blessed!

Rev. J. Loren Russell is President/CEO of The JLR Company for Church Financial Strategy & Consulting; an associate minister at both Goodwill and The Greater Universal Baptist Churches in the Bronx; creator & host of “Matters of Faith – The Radio Show” Mondays 8:00 – 10:00 PM on Facebook LIVE and author of Matters of Faith: The Book (eBook available at www.smashwords.com/books/view/993177)