GUEST COLUMN: Love provides us with courage to love one another

Every Sunday is an Easter. We recall that Christ rose from the dead and so we too shall rise from the dead. But did you know that every Sunday is also Pentecost, because the Holy Spirit has come to remind us of all that Jesus said and He teaches us all. Pentecost is a reminder that our relationship to God is by faith in Jesus. Christ dwells in our hearts by faith (Ephesians 3:17).

John 14 could be called the question or learning chapter. In John 14:5, 8 and 22, the disciples ask questions or seek further information. Thomas wished to know the Way. Philip wanted to see the Father. Judas, not Iscariot, wondered why Jesus was showing Himself to the disciples but not to the world.

The disciples realized that they were in further need of learning. They still harbored earthly ideas of the Kingdom of God. Jesus gives them enough information to tide them over until Pentecost would come, when the Holy Spirit would do two things: a) Remind them of all that Jesus had said; and b) Teach them all.

Note that “all” is used both times in John 14:26: “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My Name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” Isaiah 42:3a had prophesied about Jesus: “A bruised reed He will not break, and a faintly burning wick He will not quench” (see also Matthew 12:20). Jesus is very gentle toward weak and floundering believers, which includes you and me.

The New Testament uses two words for “love.” The love of the world is an emotion of pleasure. That is indicated by the English word “like.” People “like” their friends because they please them. That idea is almost nonexistent in the New Testament.

There we find the word “love” which is a deliberate action going far beyond emotion and pleasure, and it must always be understood in its own relationship. For example, Matthew 22:37, quoted from Deuteronomy 6:5, tells us “And He said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” That means to cling to Him as the true God, no matter what the circumstances. That kind of love is simply faith and confidence.

In John 14:23 “If you love Me” means “If you believe and trust in Me.” Then it says “My Father will love him.” This does not mean only to like or derive pleasure. It means “My Father will claim him as His own.” In John 14:24 understand it this way: “The one who does not believe Me.” In John 14:28: “If you would believe Me.” They did not yet believe as they should have and therefore they were sad. Jesus is doing everything He can to strengthen the disciples’ faith.

In Matthew 22:39, Jesus, quoting Leviticus 19:18 says: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” That means far more than liking him or getting pleasure out of the relationship. In other words, do for your neighbor what you do for yourself. At Ephesians 5:25 Paul says: “Husbands, love your wives just as also Christ loved the Church and gave Himself in her behalf.” How do husbands love their wives? By living for them and, if need be, dying for them. At Luke 6:27 Jesus says: “Love your enemies.” How does one do that? He explains: “Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who treat you shamefully.”

Jesus and His Word are co-relative ideas. Where the Word is, there Jesus is. He speaks of the Holy Spirit teaching and reminding. He does this with Words. In John 14:27 peace comes only through Jesus Words. In John 14:28 He says: “You’ve heard.” What? Words. In John 8:31-32, He said: “If you continue in My Word then you are My disciples indeed and you will know the Truth and the Truth will make you free.”

Pentecost assures us of the peace of God. Before Pentecost the disciples were fearful. After Pentecost (read the book of Acts) they said: “We ought to obey God rather than man.” The peace of God gave them fearless and courageous hearts (Philippians 4:7). So it is with us. Go in peace, and serve the Lord! Thanks be to God the Father!