Faith without religion.
Unfeigned Love and Ministry Paradoxes
In a recent teaching, we delved into the profound words of Paul from 2 Corinthians 6:1-10, exploring the essence of ministry through the lens of Paul’s experiences. Paul describes the journey of ministry using three categories: the IN’s, BY’s, and AS’s. He emphasizes that the strength to endure comes BY pureness, knowledge, longsuffering, kindness, and most importantly, BY the Holy Spirit.
Paul speaks of “love unfeigned,” a genuine love that transcends mere emotions and gestures. This love is a conscious choice, a commitment to the well-being of others, and a reflection of our love for God. The challenge lies in extending this unfeigned love to those we find difficult to love. The key, Paul suggests, is to first cultivate an unfeigned love for God. When our love for God is genuine, it naturally extends to others, aligning with the first Great Commandment.
Paul’s message is clear: our ability to love others genuinely stems from our relationship with God. This love is not about perfection but about striving to love as Christ loved us. Through faith in Jesus, we are justified and sanctified, enabling us to love with sincerity. This faith, rooted in the understanding that He first loved us, empowers us to love others, even when it seems impossible.
The teaching also highlights the paradoxes of the Christian walk, as Paul describes being “as deceivers, and yet true,” “as unknown, and yet well known,” and “as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing.” These paradoxes reflect the complexities of living a life of faith, where we are called to endure challenges with integrity and righteousness.
Ultimately, the message is one of hope and assurance. In Christ, we possess all things, and through Him, we are equipped to face the trials of life with love unfeigned. As we approach the Christmas season, let us remember that in Christ, we have been given all things, and it is through His love that we can truly love others.
