During the sermon this Sunday at our local assembly, the pastor used a phrase, “The hope behind the help.” He was, of course, referring to the hope that Jesus brings when we love others. I’m not sure if it was something original to him or if he borrowed it from someone else, but it struck me as profound.
Why do we love?
We love because he first loved us. John 4:1-19
By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:35
Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:29-30
Love isn’t a warm, fuzzy feeling that comes and goes, at least not the type of the biblical ove Jesus speaks of here.
This biblical ove is a conscious decision to love even if it’s not reciprocated. We love and serve our neighbors not to get something out of it, nor as a project. We love them because God loved us even when we were incapable of loving Him.
He loved us when we were his blasphemous, rebellious enemies. He loves even those who will ultimately reject Him, although they will never be His children.
We love and help our neighbors because we have experienced unconditional love. We love because love brings hope, and everyone needs true hope.
His love isn’t something that will waiver and fade. It isn’t something that will lead to disappointment. He is the hope that motivates, loves, helps, and transforms.
Let’s proclaim him boldly.
Hallelu Yah (Praise God)
Be blessed,
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word – Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
All contents, “Gleanings From The Word” and “Experience an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Life,” are © 2001, 2025 K.F. “Kevin” Corbin, Gleanings From The Word.
Unless otherwise noted, “Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
From Gleanings From The Word (Kevin Corbin, 2001– ), a Scripture-based devotional work.