Paul put the emphasis on love as the motivation for all other virtues. After providing a long list of desirable qualities—including virtues such as mercy, humility, helping each other, forgiving, etc.—he said, But above all these things put on love. . . . (Col 3:14a NKJV)
Paul understood that false virtues can be self-serving. Acts of mercy and kindness can be done because we’re proud. If that happens, are they still acts of mercy or kindness? Humility without love becomes ingratiating. Meekness without love becomes weakness. Longsuffering without love becomes bitterness. And so it goes with virtue stemming from distorted motives.
Love purifies motives. Because God is love, He is our source for genuine love—and our source for genuine virtue. If you then were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above . . . And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus. (3:1a,17a)
When we look to Jesus with our spiritual eyes, we see His love, His virtue. When we walk with Jesus, we walk in His love and His virtue.
Originally published March 20, 1987.
Picture: Flowers in Puerto Rico, 2002. Photo by Patty.
2 comments:
good thoughts - beautiful flower
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