3.
Love will be tested in many ways. This is indeed the acid test of Christianity. The love of the Lord as it unfolds in our hearts will lead us to the very farthest point of love. That is; to love our enemies. Hatreds, animosities, warfare’s, variances, all are a part of life on earth. They are not easily forgotten, some times even for generations. Jesus called upon those who would be His disciples to be like Him and love those who would be at enmity with Him. Bless, invoke the blessing of the Lord on those who curse and blaspheme you. Do good, be a blessing to those who demonstrate their gross dislike of you. Pray for those who would heap insult after insult upon you and in the ultimate, persecute you. Mt. 5:44 Thus, the reaction of Christ, and hopefully that of His followers, is presented to us. It is a staggering challenge seeing that the natural, the carnal man usually will react in anything but in a spirit of love. Still, Jesus taught, and lived just exactly what His standard of the Christian life would be.
Jesus left us an example that is hard for the natural nature of mankind to follow. It is most definitely not an easy step for the spiritual man to demonstrate, either. This is love at it’s greatest moment of testing. His prayer of forgiveness for those responsible for His physical crucifixion is the ideal for Christian living. “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34 The actions of all who were involved in the accusations, the trial and the ultimate death of the Lord Jesus were grossly illegal. Most definitely a breach, a complete disregard for the Law. Even so, He prayed that the Father would forgive them for their dire actions. That is love.
We have another example taken from those early days of the development of the church in Jerusalem. Stephen, one of seven, who were appointed to be responsible for the daily affairs of the church. He was mightily used of the Lord working great signs and wonders among the people. Acts 6:8 False accusations and lying witnesses were brought against him and he was condemned to be stoned. At the time of his stoning, he saw the Lord Jesus standing at the right hand of the Father. Jesus stood in honor of the first martyr and to welcome him into His eternal kingdom. Stephen beautifully demonstrated the Agape love. The fullness of the love of the Lord. His prayer was; “Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.” Acts 7:60 That love which is found in Christ must be revealed in the hearts of all who love Him. It is not an easy task but it will yield good fruit.