Love your neighbour as yourself (2)

Although love is of God, it still requires action from our side - that was the theme of the second speech at the camp. Love in Action.

The love that God wants us to extend to our neighbour comes from our new life in CHRIST (Col 3:1,2). We are to set our minds on the things above, not on the things of this earth. In so doing we are to be clothed with the garments of the 'new man'. These 'clothes' are what show us to be different from those who do not believe in Christ, and they are ultimately characterised by love.

Love is built on two pillars: patience and kindness. "Love suffers long and is kind;" (1 Corinthians 13:4a). Patience is defined as being willing and able to respond positively to a negative situation, and kindness acts to maximise a positive situation. Being motivated by Christ and His work on the cross, we are able to show true love.

Another characteristic of love is "bearing with one another and forgiving one another" (Colossians 3:13). In other words we cannot be showing true love to some one if we are not able to overcome a grudge we hold against them. If we choose not to forgive someone who has hurt us, no matter how deeply, we are basically putting ourselves under their control, and not allowing ourselves to be free to let God work renewal in our lives. Unless we dwell on the miracle of grace in our lives through Christ, we will not be able to forgive one another, and hence show true love. If we are filled with Christ's love; if we truly understand the depth of our own forgiveness through Him, then it will be easier to forgive one another. It is then that you are able to receive inner peace and the ability to freely give love.

As new men and women in Christ, we are required to wear new clothes bearing the fruit of the Spirit - Love, Joy, Peace, Long-suffering, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-control (Galatians 5:22). But "above all these things [we must] put on love, which is the bond of perfection." (Colossians 3:14) Love is the belt that holds all the clothes together. Without love we cannot truly wear kindness and forgiveness. In all this we must remember that this is only possible when we let the word of Christ dwell in us richly; when we desire to live closer to God; when we 'constantly and with heartfelt longing ask Him for these gifts and thank Him for them'.

"And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." (Colossians 3:17)

So, what clothes are you wearing?