Requirement # 1: Love others

Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith” 1 Timothy 1:5

Timothy receives the mission. As the young new pastor and teacher of the church in Ephesus, Timothy needs direction. Paul charges Timothy with a mission to complete: “As I urged you when I went into Macedonia—remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine” (1 Timothy 1:3). Timothy is to stick to the essentials of the Gospel and teach the Scripture, not to get into meaningless arguments about genealogies, as many did in those days. Rather, Paul urges Timothy to focus on Jesus.

Why just teach the pure Gospel? Why shouldn’t Timothy argue? Timothy, as a new leader, might think he needs to argue about genealogies to show he is intelligent and in control. The purpose, Paul explains, is love. Love trumps any other commandment and argument about genealogies.

Jesus says in John 13:34, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. “ Although 600 commandments exist for the Jewish people, love encompasses all. Paul explains that this love is from a pure heart, a good conscience and sincere faith. This love stems from a good relationship with God. This love is from God. You cannot manufacture it. As you walk with Him, He purifies you, gives you a clean conscience and establishes you in faith.

How are we doing on this commandment? Are we getting to know others and loving them and praying for them? Or do we despise them?

When other Christians hurt you, you may not want to love them. However, the only way to guarantee that you will never be hurt is to live by yourself without anyone. If you do love one another, you might end up being hurt. However, love covers a multitude of sins.

Jesus also goes on to say in John 13:35 that “all men will know you are My disciples if you have love for one another.” Others are watching to see if Christians love one another.

This is not an optional commandment. Love is required.  

May you love others as Christ has loved you. May you get to know fellow Christians and the people around you with grace and love. Remember, Jesus conquers death through His great love.

Blessings,

Robert Furrow