Love is the Opposite of Sin

 

Summary:

On Faith, Love and Good Deeds: Love (Charity) Is the Greatest of Them All: Love is the Opposite of Sin

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I have written my thoughts on "What Constitutes Sin?"  

I thought I should write one that is the opposite: On Love 

In Luke 10:25-37 of the King James Version, Jesus spoke on the parable of the Good Samaritan comparing him as a good neighbour. In verses 25 – 29 says:

 “And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answered, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?” Obviously, the Good Samaritan is like a neighbour who was doing something good out of love that includes his good deeds, action and works

But in Ephesians 2:8-9 it says, “For by grace, you have been saved through faith, and this is not from you; it is the gift of God; it is not from works, so no one may boast” How would we look at this – faith, love, and not our good deed and action or do they come together. Which takes precedence?

There are at least 40 verses in the Bible that emphasize love. Obviously, love is also very important, not just faith alone or from our works like a Good Samaritan. Here are some of the verses that emphasize love. Here are some of the verses:  

1. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. (John 13:35) Do not owe anyone anything, except to love one another, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. (Romans 13:8)

2. Let all that you do be done in love (1 Corinthians 16:14)

3. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love (1 John 4:8)

4. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love (1 John 4:18)

5. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16)

6. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8)

7. And above all these, put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony (Colossians 3:14)

8. A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. – John 13:34-35

9. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13)

10. So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love (1 Corinthians 13:13)

11. Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses (Proverbs 10:12)

12. Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love (1 John 4:7-8)

13. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us (John 4:9-12)

14. And so, we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love (1 John 4:16-18)

15. We love because he first loved us (1 John 4:19)

16. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love (John 15:9-10)

17. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. – John 15:12-13

18. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16)

19. Now therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations (Deuteronomy 7:9)

20. But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness (Psalms 86:15)

21. God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8)

22. God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ – by grace you have been saved (Ephesians 2:4-5)

23. See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him (1 John 3:1)

24. If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing (1 Corinthians 13:1-3)

25. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)

26. Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves

27. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love (1 Corinthians 13:13)

28. Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another (Romans 12:9-10)

29. “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:29-31)

 30. Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law (Romans 13:8)

31. A friend loves at all times (Proverbs 17:17)

32. Love does no harm to a neighbour. Therefore, love is the fulfilment of the law (Romans 13:10)

33. Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find it. The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them (Proverbs 20:6-7)

34. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:2-3)

35. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8)

36. Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love (1 John 4:7)

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

38. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister (1 John 4:21)

39. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity (Colossians 3:14)

40. Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother has need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue, but in deed and in truth. (1 John 3:16-18)

In Luke 10:25-29 Jesus spoke on the parable of the Good Samaritan comparing him as a good neighbour. Obviously, the Good Samaritan was doing something good out of love and his kind and compassionate works.  

But in Ephesians 2:8-9 it says, “For by grace, you have been saved through faith, and this is not from you; it is the gift of God; it is not from works, so no one may boast” How would we look at this – love or our good deed and action or do they come together. Which takes precedence?

This is such a profound question, as it involves the intersection of faith, love, and good deeds—a central theme in Christian theology. The Bible presents a harmonious relationship between these aspects, yet understanding their interaction can sometimes seem complex, especially when considering verses like Ephesians 2:8-9, which emphasize salvation by grace through faith, not by works, and passages like Luke 10:25-37, which highlight the importance of love expressed through good deeds.

Faith, Love, and Good Deeds: A Unified Perspective

The tension between faith and works is often highlighted in theological discussions, but Scripture offers a perspective where they complement rather than contradict one another. Let me break it down:

1. Salvation by Grace through Faith (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Ephesians 2:8-9 is clear: we are saved by grace, not by our works. This underscores that salvation is a gift from God. No amount of good deeds can earn salvation, and it is through faith in Jesus Christ that we are saved. Grace is a foundational concept in Christianity, emphasizing that God’s love and mercy are unmerited and freely given.

This passage seems to caution against relying on human efforts for salvation, ensuring that no one can boast about "earning" eternal life. This aligns with Romans 3:28, which states that "a man is justified by faith apart from the works of the law."

However, this doesn't diminish the importance of good deeds; rather, it puts them in the proper context. They are the fruit of faith, not a means to earn favour with God.

2. The Role of Love and Good Deeds (Luke 10:25-37)

In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus illustrates what it means to love one’s neighbour. The Samaritan’s actions reflect deep compassion and love for a fellow human being. This parable emphasizes that genuine love is expressed through action. The Samaritan’s love for his neighbour was not mere sentiment but was demonstrated through selfless service and care.

This is echoed in James 2:14-17, where the apostle writes:

"What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, be warmed and filled,' without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also, faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."

James does not contradict Paul in Ephesians. Instead, James explains that faith naturally produces good works. True faith is active and is manifested in love (Galatians 5:6: "faith working through love").

Which Takes Precedence: Faith, Love, or Good Deeds?

1.      Faith is foundational for salvation, as we are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9).

2.      Love is the greatest commandment, as Jesus affirms in Matthew 22:37-40: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind" and "Love your neighbour as yourself."

3.      Good deeds or works are the natural outworking of genuine faith and love. They are the evidence of a transformed heart and life (Ephesians 2:10: "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works").

Thus, love and good deeds flow from faith. As the apostle Paul beautifully sums up in 1 Corinthians 13:13:

"And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love."

The greatest is love because love is the fulfilling of the law (Romans 13:10), and it is through love that we express our faith and obedience to God.

Conclusion: The Interplay of Faith, Love, and Works

In Christian teaching, these three—faith, love, and good deeds—are not meant to be seen as opposing forces. Instead, they work together in a holistic Christian life. We are saved by grace through faith, but that faith is made visible in acts of love and kindness, like the Good Samaritan’s compassion. Faith without works is dead, but works without faith are meaningless. Love binds them together (Colossians 3:14), as it is the ultimate expression of God’s nature and the essence of His commandments.

Thus, faith comes first as the root of salvation but love and good deeds follow naturally as its fruits, serving as evidence of a transformed life in Christ. We are not saved by good works, but we are saved for good works (Ephesians 2:10). These works are the evidence of a living faith, motivated by love, reflecting God’s love for us in the world.

In the end, love takes precedence as the greatest commandment, but it is through faith that we experience God's grace, and through good deeds that we demonstrate that love to others.

Love, faith, compassion, and good deeds are intertwined and cannot be separated. Genuine love for God naturally flows into love for others, and that love is demonstrated through compassionate actions. The parable of the Good Samaritan exemplifies this perfectly—his love and compassion moved him to action, fulfilling the command to "love your neighbour as yourself."

Faith without love becomes hollow, and love without action is incomplete. As I have mentioned, it would be hypocritical to claim a love for God while neglecting those in need around us. True faith and love are alive when they inspire us to serve others with compassion, kindness, and good works. Translating love into action not only fulfils the greatest commandments but also embodies what it means to live in harmony with the teachings of Jesus.

In essence, love for God is reflected in how we treat others, and our good deeds are an expression of that love. So, yes, love, faith, and actions come together, and when aligned, they form the foundation of a truly fulfilling and righteous life.

To sum up, I think we cannot divorce love, faith, compassion, and good deeds as separate unrelated virtues. If we have love and compassion, we too will translate them into action. We cannot claim to have love for God only but ignore love for our neighbour or anyone in need of our help. Faith, love and actions come together. We will be a hypocrite to claim we only love God but ignore love and compassion on all who need our help. 

In short, we need to translate our faith and love into action. Don't you agree - only when we are grateful and love God first. 

- jb lim