LOVE Part 3

LOVE PART 3
THE CHARACTER OF LOVE

Dr Wole Gbogboade

Text: Ephesians 4:20-32

It is essential to know not only the attributes of love but, the character of love which is from the manifold nature of God. God expresses both His attributes and character to His people throughout all generations. If you know God as a loving Father who loves and cares for His children, you also need to know Him as mighty Consuming fire. Heb. 12:29. By so doing, your reverence for God will not be out of fear but, out of love. Paul said, knowing the terror of the Lord, we persuade (warn) men. 2Cor.5:11

1- The first character of God’s love is truth. God the Father loves truth and speaks the truth always. The Lord is also known as the Truth. John 14:6. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth. John 16:13. The Triune nature of God carries the same character of truth. The Trinity and truth are inseparable. God hates lie so, lie is not of God.
Lie is of the Devil. John 8:44. The devil is the father of all liars. God said, I will not lie to David my servant. Ps. 89:35.

2- In showing His love to His children, God sometimes chastises them. This is for the purpose of correction, not condemnation. He disciplines us to show us His love as His character and to amplify good behavior in our lives.
“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as son.
Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by His father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons.” Heb. 12:5-8.

3- Love itself is borne out of relationship. How can you say you love somebody you don’t know? That makes one gullible. You have to love with knowledge.
“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight.” Phil. 1:9.
Knowledge of love mechanism in relationship both with God and man gives us the benefit of developing insight and discernment. This will help to keep us in God’s love. v. 10.
When the Lord first met His disciples, He called them by their names. As His relationship with them developed, he called them disciples, later apostles. After about 3 years of intimate relationship, He called them friends. John 15:15. By that time, they’ve known so much about Him. How can you meet somebody once and call such your friend with little or no knowledge of him/her. Upon resurrection, the Lord referred to them as His brothers as in sonship rights bestowed on them as it is on us. John 20:17.

4- Selflessness in approaching issues as it affects others enables you to make righteous judgment as God would. Also we must provoke each other to love and to good works. Heb.10:24 (KJV). We should also be willing to help one another to stand in faith. We must be willing to stand in the gap for one another. Rom. 15:1-3, 1Cor.10:24, Gal.6:1-2, 10.

5- Fear is a bye product of failure. What you fear is probably what you don’t want to confront but, you know it exists. Fear is an attack on your imagination which affects your perception to the extent your ability to take positive decision is intimidated. God does not operate under fear because of His love character.

There is no fear in love but, perfect love cast out all fear. Fear is a torment. 1 John 4:18

Love is a weapon that conquers fear. The bible says, the righteous shall be bold as the lion. Through love for God, you overcome the pettiness of inordinate ambition; contentment becomes inevitable. Also, you overcome both your imaginary and real enemy. Jesus said, those who believe in him, in nothing shall they be offended. Offence will not get hold of you to make you vulnerable.

In conclusion, Paul also explains how we can develop God’s character as we observe the following kingdom principles.

Eph.4:20-32:
A Speak the truth. v.21, 25
B Put off the old man/self corrupted by deceitful desires. v.22
C Be made new in the attitude of your minds and put on the new man which is Christ like. v.23-24
D In your anger, do not sin. V.26. God’s anger lasts for a moment. So, get rid of all bitterness, anger, rage etc. v.31
E Stop stealing: money, time of your employer, sheep of other Shepherds (churches), don’t cheat on your spouse etc. Instead, do good work (not illegitimate business) v.28
F Let your words edify. v. 29
G Don’t grieve the Holy Spirit. v.30
H Be kind and compassionate to one another and forgive. v. 32

Love does not pamper sin. God loves us but, he still hates sin. The 10 commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) are for us to live good life with others primarily which shows our love to God invariably. The commandments are for our own good and it’s not burdensome. 1John 5:3. Therefore, God’s love manifest in our lives as we obey His commands and walk in love. 2John6.

The bible admonishes believers to speak the truth in love. In fact everything must be done in love.


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