A Legacy of Love
Acts 17:1-4; 2 Corinthians 5:14-15; 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10
It was the Christmas holidays, and the three brothers and their families were gathering at Mom’s: one from Rock Hill, one from the Lowcountry and a third was local. My wife and I camped out in our normal room, and Mom deposited my younger brother in hers. With all bedrooms taken, I wondered where she would sleep. As it turned out, she slept on the couch. Moms love, and find ways to show it.
People want to be loved. Receiving love from significant others is important to avoid deviant and immoral behavior. Experiencing God’s love is more crucial. When we do, we build legacies of sharing it with others.
Receiving God’s love and forgiveness compels us (2 Corinthians 5:14-15). Paul says that Christ’s love compels us. It is not merely Christ’s love that motivates us to share; it is Christ’s love for us. Simply knowing God is love won’t stimulate. We must experience His love.
Paul also says “all died.” He is referring to all believers. One person – Christ – died for all humanity. Accepting His sacrifice places us on the cross with Him and kills our old life. No longer are we compelled to live for self but for Christ. This new life erupts with such energy that we are prompted to share it.
Legacies of love are communicated (Acts 17:1-4). On his second missionary journey, Paul stopped in Thessalonica. As was his custom, he entered the Jewish synagogue and on three Sabbaths shared the gospel with Jews and Greeks. Using Scripture, he reasoned with them that Jesus was the Messiah who had to suffer, die and rise again. Many Jews, Greeks and women believed. Paul was only here a short time, but devoted his time to building relationships and discipleship.
Before believers can share the gospel, they must familiarize themselves with the Scriptures explaining it. There is no right or wrong way, as long as the presentation centers on who Jesus was, what He did, why He did it and what the results are. Technology now presents us with many different methods of presenting the gospel on a much larger scale than has ever been possible before.
Legacies of love also continue (1 Thessalonians 1:2-10). Paul expressed his thanks to the Thessalonian believers. They were models to other believers, and their faith “rang out” in the surrounding regions. Legacies of love are perpetuated by praying for others, obeying and serving God, preaching the gospel, depending on the Holy Spirit’s guidance, living a life other believers would want to emulate and realizing Jesus is our superior model.
Wiles– Lessons in the BSL series for the spring quarter are being written by Martin Wiles, pastor of First Baptist Church, Harleyville, and author of three books, including recently published “Grace Greater Than Sin.”