“…because of the truth which abides in us and will be with us forever…”
because of the truth
Love comes from the truth of God’s Word. Biblical love goes far beyond sentiment and human sympathy. Knowledge of the person and work of Christ cannot do anything else but affect the way we think of others.
which abides in us
The Word of God lives in and dwells in the believer.
Dt 6:6, “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart.”
Dt 11:18, “Therefore you shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.”
Jn 15:7, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.”
1 Jn 2:14, “I have written to you, fathers,
Because you have known Him who is from the beginning.
I have written to you, young men,
Because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you,
And you have overcome the wicked one.”
PRINCIPLE:
God always predicates biblical love on truth.
APPLICATION:
Truth demands a response. We cannot help but love others if we genuinely understand the love of God for us in Christ. Like begets like. Love begets love. God is love, and those who love Him love others. Truth makes love possible. Truth binds Christians together in a special bond.
