Differing Extents of Love
“In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate to one another; in honor preferring one another; not lagging in diligence; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; enduring in troubles; continuing steadfastly in prayer; contributing to the needs of the saints; given to hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless, and don’t curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Don’t set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Don’t be wise in your own conceits. Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men. Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, “Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.” Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head.” Don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:10-21 WEB)
This is the kind of faith that God is pleased with. Not just talking about it, but walking in love as much as possible, especially towards our household of the faith, just like our Lord Jesus did.
When Jesus told us to love one another, He was referring to brotherly love between Christians. Paul also makes it clear by saying, “In the love of the brothers”.
To those who are outside, we are taught to “repay no one evil for evil”, “respect what is honorable in the sight of all men”, and “as much as is possible, be at peace with all men”.
The extent to which we are supposed to love Christians and those who aren’t believers yet, differs.
“Let us not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we don’t give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let’s do what is good toward all men, and especially toward those who are of the household of the faith.”
Galatians 6:9-10 WEB
Your biological family comes first before those who are outside. You are supposed to feed your family first before giving what you can to strangers or acquaintances. It is the same in terms of prioritizing help.
“But if anyone doesn’t provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.” (1 Timothy 5:8 WEB)
Jesus is not asking you to love a God-hating person the same as a Christian who loves God.
Despite the differences we have in theology and doctrines, if we can agree that Jesus Christ is Lord, and that believing in Him is the only way to be saved, then we are family.
I pray for those who have had bad experiences with fellow Christians, that the trauma in their hearts be healed, and that they will have the desire and ability to bless those who persecuted them. When you pray for your ‘enemies’, you are freeing yourself from the anger, bitterness, pain, and you will be filled with shalom peace.
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