Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker
My six-year-old granddaughter came to spend two days and a night with me. Prior to her arrival, Felicity had made a lovely card for me. My grandma name is “Mammy,” so here’s what she wrote with her pink ink pen on the outside of the card: “I love you Mamee.” The inside message was: “I love you Mamee. I will love you no madr wut. I love evreebudee in the hol intiure wrld. Frum Felicity.” I was astounded that this young child had actually written the main theme of the Bible in her simple handmade card.
In 1 Corinthians Chapter 13, we’re told that the more excellent way to live is by practicing a life of love. In regard to the spiritual gifts of faith, hope, and love, God tells us that the greatest of these is love. Felicity wrote that she would love me no matter what. That means she would love me even when she is required to put away the toys, try new food, and obey instructions. Love is not a feeling; it’s our attitude and actions. In childlike faith, my granddaughter expressed that she will love not only those who love her, but everybody in the whole entire world. That reminds me of John 3:16.
If I had to name one earthly person in the whole entire Bible that best expressed his love for Jesus, I would choose John. This disciple authored the fourth New Testament Gospel, three Johns, and the book of Revelation. We often refer to him as John the Revelator. But as the writer of the Gospel of John, he refers to himself as “the disciple whom Jesus loved.“ Jesus loved everyone in the whole entire world, but not everyone totally grasped that concept. But John clearly accepted Jesus’ love for him personally. “Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved” (John 13:23 NKJV). Feeling confident in the Savior’s love, John was completely at ease resting his head on Jesus’ chest while at the table of fellowship. He was not afraid to demonstrate solid devotion for his Messiah, Master, and Lord. John recognized that Jesus was real love in human form and that He could be fully trusted in all things.
Believers have the ability to love one another because the Holy Spirit lives inside us and helps us to do the right thing. By inspiration of the Holy Spirit, John was certainly qualified to write about love. He had experienced it, seen it in action on the cross, and practiced it. “We know what real love is because Jesus gave up His life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion — how can God’s love be in that person?” (1 John 3:16,17 NLT). Jesus is our source and motivation to practice loving others. His atoning sacrifice calls us to perpetual responsibility to actively love others. When we claim to be Christians, we are beholden to live like Christ.
Love is God’s idea, so it’s a big deal to Him. We learn the importance of love all the way from Genesis to Revelation. God said, “I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love Me and obey My commands” (Exodus 20:6 NLT). In the last book of the Bible, God is still talking about love. John the Beloved pens, “Those whom I [dearly and tenderly] love, I tell their faults and convict and convince and reprove and chasten [I discipline and instruct them]. So be enthusiastic and in earnest and burning with zeal and repent [changing your mind and attitude]” (Revelation 3:19 AMP).
The Key: Love God and evree budee no madr wut.