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The abiding disciple learns the principle that LOVE IS MUTUAL. As a newly saved sinner we understand the Scripture, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son" with it's mercy.1 As a growing seed we learn the greatest part of life is found in the answer to the question, "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the law? Jesus answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind".2
What is implied in loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength? According to Adam Clark, first of all, the disciple loves God with all his heart. He loves nothing in comparison to Him, and nothing but in reference to Him. He is ready to give up, do, or suffer anything in order to please and glorify Him.
Secondly, he loves God with all his soul, or rather with all his life. He is ready to give up life for His sake, and will endure all sorts of torments, and be deprived of all comforts rather than to dishonor God, who employs life with all it's comforts and conveniences to glorify God in, by, and through all.
Thirdly, he loves God with all his strength.3 He exerts all the powers of his body and soul in the service of God; and for the glory of His Maker, he spares neither labor, nor cost; but sacrifices his time, body, health, and ease, for the honor of God, his divine Master. Further, he employs in His service all his goods, talents, power, credit, authority, and influence.
Lastly, he loves God with his mind (intellect), and applies himself only to know God and His Holy will. He receives with submission, gratitude, and pleasure the sacred truths that God has revealed to man.
The love of God is realized, of course, at the CROSS. Beyond the cross we seek to love God by assisting "our neighbors" to the same cross. By loving mankind with Father's love we now start to live our new life in Christ in his same focus. Our display of love to others is regulated only by our ability to love God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind.
The disciple becomes unique in this way: LOVING IS LIVING. There is no life in Christ, or His Holy Spirit, without love for God the Father and for man. Scripture simply says it all, "We love because He first loved us".
Additional Scripture References:
Matthew 22:36-37, Matthew 7:12
Deuteronomy 6:5
Romans 13:9-10
Galatians 5:14
James 2:8
1 John 4:19-21
1. John 3:16
2. Matthew 22:33-36
3. Mark 12:30, Luke 10:27
© Copyright 2001 Lighthouse Ministries. All Rights Reserved.
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