Love

In his writings, the apostle John referred to himself as "disciple whom Jesus loved" (see John 21:7). Jesus referred to John as "my beloved" (see 3 Nephi 28:6). I believe that John had a very special and close relationship with Christ. He understood on a very personal level what it means to be loved by Jesus. Because of this relationship, I have chosen to use mostly the writings of John for this particular post. I'll end with a favorite from Paul.

Sometimes we think of love as kind of a fluffy topic, one that is difficult to grasp in a practical worship situation. However, the doctrine of love is profound and straightforward. There are three main things I think we need to understand about love.

First, understand that God loves us, as evidenced by the gift of His Son.

"In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him" (1 John 4:9).

God loves each of His children, as does Jesus Christ.

"Hereby perceive we the love of Christ, because he laid down his life for us" (JST 1 John 3:16).

Christ loves us with a perfect love. He doesn't wait for us to manifest love to Him--He loves us first.

"Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins" (1 John 4:10).

"We love him, because he first loved us" (1 John 4:19).

Heavenly Father's and Jesus Christ's love defines them. It defines their characters and explains the purpose of every aspect of the Plan of Salvation.

"God is love" (1 John 4:8).

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you" (John 15:13-14).

Second, we show our love for Christ by obeying His commandments.

There is a lot of confusion and dispute about what it means to love God. People define it in a wide variety of ways. However, Jesus Christ was quite specific about how we are to show our love for Him.

"If ye love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15).

In obeying the commandments, we need to remember first of all that every aspect of God's plan for us is motivated by pure love. The commandments are given as a way to keep us safe and help us progress.

"For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous" (1 John 5:3).

And there is a specific blessing given to those who obey the commandments. The gift of abiding in Christ's love--always feeling His presence in our lives.

"If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love" (John 15:10).

The love of a friend can instill confidence in me. It can help me face my fears and find strength. This is so much more true with the love of Christ. He instills us with confidence such that we are able to live successfully in this world and prepare hopefully to return to His presence. Feeling His love is worth the effort to obey His commandments.

Third, love others as Christ has loved us.

As we come to know Christ and feel of His love, He asks us to help others come to feel His love. We do that by loving with a pure, Christlike love.

"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another" (John 13:34-35).

"This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you" (John 15:12).

"Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God" (1 John 4:7).

"Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another" (1 John 4:11).

"And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also" (1 John 4:21).

We know that Christ has asked us to keep His commandments. If we want to love as He has loved, we need to encourage others to also keep His commandments. Love is not separate from obedience. It is enhanced by righteousness. Christ also loves people who are sinners. We are instructed to do the same. We are commanded to love everyone. It is possible only when we are filled with Christ's love for them.


Conclusion

When I read this next passage, I am sure that there is nothing I want more in this life than to know the love of Christ.

"That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

"May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;

"And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God" (Ephesians 3:17-19).

The love of Christ can root and ground us--give us stability in a confusing world. His love surpasses any earthly comparison. It is better than knowledge. It will fill us with the fulness of God.

I know that Jesus Christ lives. I believe in the living reality of a Savior. I know He loves each of us. I know He loves me. I am grateful Heavenly Father sent His Son to earth to live, die, and live again all for our sake. It is such a glorious plan! I wish you all a merry Christmas as we celebrate together the birth of our Lord.