Biblical Answer
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Your Question:
How do we prioritize love when the world is against us?
Answer:
Understanding the Paramount Love
The paramount love is not the love we feel towards ourselves or others, but rather the love we have for God. The Bible teaches us that our love for God is the supreme objective (Matthew 22:37-40). When we love God, we are able to love others in a way that is pleasing to Him. This love is not blind, but rather it is guided by truth (John 13:34-35). We must be willing to prioritize God's love over our own interests and the interests of others, even when they conflict (Matthew 10:37-38).
The Biblical Way to Resolve Conflict
The Bible teaches us that love is not just a feeling, but an action (1 John 3:16-18). It involves having a servant's heart, being willing to count others better than ourselves, and serving their interests as well as our own (Galatians 5:13b-14; Philippians 2:3). We must also be willing to endure all things, including hardship and persecution, for the sake of love (Romans 5:3-5). This kind of love is not easy, but it is necessary for living a life that is pleasing to God. As C.S. Lewis says, "We must be cautious about calling Need-love mere selfishness." Need-love, or the love we feel towards others, can be selfishly indulged, but it can also be a genuine expression of love for God.
The Importance of Prioritizing Love
Prioritizing love is essential for living a life that is pleasing to God. When we prioritize love, we are able to see the world from God's perspective, and we are able to love others in a way that is pleasing to Him. This love is not just a feeling, but an action that involves serving others and enduring hardships for the sake of love. As the Bible says, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres" (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). When we prioritize love, we are able to live a life that is characterized by these qualities, and we are able to bring glory to God.
Sources:
Robertson McQuilkinIntroduction Biblical Ethics
Thomas SchreinerThe Law and Its Fulfillment: A Pauline Theology of Law- John StottLetters of John
Andy StanleyEnemies of the Heart
William Lane CraigReasonable Faith
Francis ShaefferTrilogy
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