LOVE: THE KEY TO THE DOOR
Curtis Lydic

In the New Testament scriptures love is presented as the key to successful Christianity. Without it no idea or act retains spiritual meaning; by it one is assured of being able to live in full fellowship with God. “God is love,” says John, “and he who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” Jesus said that all the law and the prophets hung upon the dual commandment to love God and one’s fellow man (Matt. 22 :37-40). Peter wrote that “love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8).

We have found it easy to learn the scriptures, and we know what the scriptures say about love as well as about other things. But, as in other things, we may have become so satisfied with knowing the scriptures that we have forgotten the importance of actually going in the way they direct. Some rationalization appears to exist to the effect that knowing what the word says earns us credit just as though we had done what it says. Be that as it may, we have many problems which are with us to trouble us largely because we have not learned the kind of love which would have prevented them. Having these problems, we could shortly solve them if we could learn even at this late date to love one another.

Inability to love is a symptom of carnality, and, in view of the character of carnal man, is quite understandable. It is summed up in the common word, selfishness. This refers to man’s natural inclination to have his own interests first at heart, and to see himself as in competition with other members of his society. What he does is calculated to insure his own survival, and, as we all know, he often becomes quite willing to sacrifice others to this end. When one achieves a feeling of security he becomes more amiable and generous and relaxed. This is generally the case with us all, who, in small ways, are friendly when we think we can afford it, and reserved when we think we can’t. The world is full of dangers for the natural man; competition is rugged, and there are threats from all sides (some men will “beat” anyone they can; others do not really wish to “beat” anyone, but will do so to avoid “getting beat” themselves). Only when the carnal man feels that he can trust another not to attack him in some way does he feel free to extend love. Of course, man needs to love and be loved, so he will often risk something for the sake of love, but usually with some trepidation.

Our consideration of the psychological handicaps of carnal man with regard to love is not unrelated to problems within the church; for we see, unfortunately, the same attitudes exhibited in the behavior of one Christian to another. Hence, the strong teaching of Paul’s and John’s writings to the effect that love must supplant these natural urges if spiritual growth is to ensue. If loving becomes more easy when one attains a feeling of security, and we more easily love those from whom we expect nothing but good, the enlightened Christian should find it possible to fulfill the “royal law” on both counts:

1) His experience with God will convince him that he may expect nothing but good from the Father.

2) An examination of New Testament teaching will show him that no one can take from him the really valuable things he has, for they are spiritual. As he learns to value the spiritual, he will devalue the material and no longer fear for its safety. He will apply the teachings of Jesus (Matt. 6:25-34) and Paul (Phil. 4:6,7) and be content. Thus he will no longer see his neighbor or brother as a competitor and will be free to love him.

Love is sometimes confused with approval. We do not need to hate those whose behavior is repugnant to us. Approval is contingent upon behavior, while love is unmerited and unconditional (that is, the kind of love we learn from the Father). God loved the people of Israel even when he most despised their behavior, and his conciliatory gift of the Son is the irrefutable proof of this.

However, so far as approval is concerned, there is room for enlightenment in the church also. “Do not be conceited,” says Paul, “or think too highly of yourself; but think your way to a sober estimate based on the measure of faith that God has dealt to each of you.” (Rom. 12:3) This is good advice. The best cure for impatience with others is honest self-examination. If my Father could love anyone so unlovely and unlovable as I, I can surely love others. Besides, they are the children of my Father; I can welcome them for his sake, seeing that he has promised to welcome me for the sake of his Son.

Love may be hard to learn, but it can be done. With honest meditation and prayer, these thoughts might help.