It is love for Christ, which serves him, and honours him, represents him, and speaks about him. We say so lightly, ‘I love the Lord.’ But how have we expressed love for Christ, this day, yesterday, in devotions, in prayer? Do our prayers leap immediately to our needs and our problems, and there is no outpouring of thanksgiving to him and love and appreciation to him? Of course, there sometimes is, but there should always be.
It is love for the word. Do we dutifully take it up each day and make time to read our portion, but with no great delight or appreciation? We haven't reminded ourselves before we did so, of the privilege which is now ours. This is the word of the living God. This is the voice of God. This is the infallible revelation of Almighty God, to us and to me in particular. This is the most precious thing I have in life. It is the source of the highest knowledge. This is the place where I've had my biggest surprises, seen the greatest wonders, had the greatest light and help, and sense of God. Do we come to the word of God with love, and expectation and desire? I cannot miss this I cannot push my time with the word into some tired corner of the day.
Do we have love for God’s people around us? Every time Satan puts into our minds a critical thought about another believer, or a member of the family, or colleague; every time there's going to be a negative critical thought, perhaps destructive of that person, substitute it for a concern for the soul, for an appreciation of something done. If only we could accomplish that – by the help of God – what a difference it would make to our lives! There would never be a gossip among Christians, and there would never be a fault finder, somebody who revels in that.
We love also the standards of God, the standards of holiness and life, which we are to voluntarily seek after. Have you ever thought of loving them? Come sometimes to the Ten Commandments and just reflect: what a commandment! Each one is the head of a family of commandments. How beautiful the fellowship and society in general would be, if these things ruled! Holiness is not just a tiresome duty, but the ultimate source of enjoyment and happiness.
Love husband; love wife; love children. The same rules apply: no critical thoughts. Of course there are problems that have to be solved. Things come up, and we have to correct each other or point each other to a better way of doing something, but all these things can only be done in grace, and with kindness, because love in all things is to be expressed.
Love your enemies. Of course, for your enemies, love may take a slightly different form. You may find it easier to pity them, because of their lost condition, because of the circumstances, but it’s still love. Love your enemies, and pray for them. That's one of the hardest commands of the Lord, but it’s binding upon us all, and it sweetens us, and under the blessing of God, it may lead to their salvation.
Have I become hard, or cold, or unapproachable, or testy? Have I become difficult, or impatient? Have I lost interest in reaching out to others, in making friends, in helping others? Is that happening to me? I'm not keeping my heart with all diligence. I must cry out to God for help, for a softer heart. I must remember my indebtedness to him and all that he has done for me. So let's banish complaints, banish criticisms, and seek better hearts for the Lord.