What Are You Doing With Love?

1.19.2025

Introduction

Paul mentions the harshness of people towards each other before Christ returns:

2 Timothy 3:1-4 (AMP)

But understand this, that in the last days dangerous times [of great stress and trouble] will come [difficult days that will be hard to bear]. 2 For people will be lovers of self [narcissistic, self-focused], lovers of money [impelled by greed], boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy and profane, 3 [and they will be] unloving [devoid of natural human affection, calloused and inhumane], irreconcilable, malicious gossips, devoid of self-control [intemperate, immoral], brutal, haters of good, 4 traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of [sensual] pleasure rather than lovers of God,

2 Timothy 3:3-4 (BBE)

3 Without natural love, bitter haters, saying evil of others, violent and uncontrolled, hating all good, 4 False to their friends, acting without thought, lifted up in mind, loving pleasure more than God;

2 Timothy 3:3-4 (Int’l English ERV)

They will have no love for others and will refuse to forgive anyone. They will talk about others to hurt them and will have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. 4 People will turn against their friends. They will do foolish things without thinking and will be so proud of themselves. Instead of loving God, they will love pleasure.

Jesus mentioned that just before He returns, society would take a turn towards hurtful relationships.

Matthew 24:12 (NKJV)

12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.

Matthew 24:12 (NLT)

Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold.

Matthew 24:12 (BBE)

And because wrongdoing will be increased, the love of most people will become cold.

Matthew 24:12 (CJB)

And many people’s love will grow cold because of increased distance from Torah.

Matthew 24:12 (WNT)

And because of the prevalent disregard of God’s law the love of the great majority will grow cold;

Matthew 24:12 (AMP)

And the love of the great body of people will grow cold because of the multiplied lawlessness and iniquity,

Matthew 24:12 (NCV)

There will be more and more evil in the world, so most people will stop showing their love for each other.

Matthew 24:12 -(Message Paraphrase)

For many others, the overwhelming spread of evil will do them in—nothing left of their love but a mound of ashes.

How’s you love life?

How are you doing with loving people who mistreat you and say things that should not be said to you or about you to others?

We are called to love people who don’t like us, who disagree with us, who say mean and nasty things about us. How are you doing with that?

Jesus prayed for the soldiers who beat and crucified Him Father forgive them for they know not what they do.

Stephen, the first martyr of the church, prayed for those who stoned him: Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.

After Jesus was resurrected He told Mary to go tell my disciples and Peter that I am alive. Jesus made a point to love Peter even though Peter had denied Him.

Jesus taught us that we should love our enemies and pray for those who use us to their advantage.

Yet, today, there is venom, anger, animosity, revenge, vitriol, hatred, malice, sarcasm, blasphemous words, vindictiveness, and division everywhere in our culture.

We are called to steer clear of this!

Questions:

How do you treat people who mistreat you?

 

How are the changes in our society affecting you and your interactions with those close to you?

How do you respond to people who purposely do and say things to “get under your skin?”

What do you do when people attack you and say things about you that just are not true?

How do you respond when you are accused of something that you just did not do?

There is a real “edge” right now on our culture.

I think that the internet has given people a forum to say what they normally would not and then not be held responsible for it!

The public dialogue in America has sometimes become caustic, bitter, angry, defensive, accusatory, and sometimes lacking the normal respect and kindness that should be the baseline in relationships.

God created us to be relational. We do best when surrounded by those who care about us.

We do not do well in isolation. Isolation is a sign of pain.

Here is some help for your relational challenges:

1. We are called to love people, even those we don’t like.

John 13:34-35 (NKJV)

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.

By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Romans 5:5 (NKJV)

Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

1 Peter 4:7-8 (NKJV)

But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. 8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”

Proverbs 10:12 (NKJV)

Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins.

1 John 4:7-8 (NKJV)

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

1 John 3:14 (NKJV)

We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death.

1 John 3:14 (Passion Translation)

Yet we can be assured that we have been translated from spiritual death into spiritual life because we love the family of believers. A loveless life remains spiritually dead.

1 Corinthians 3:1-3 (TPT)

Brothers and sisters, when I was with you I found it impossible to speak to you as those who are spiritually mature people, for you are still dominated by the mind-set of the flesh. And because you are immature infants in Christ, 2 I had to nurse you and feed you with “milk,” not with the solid food of more advanced teachings, because you weren’t ready for it. In fact, you are still not ready to be fed solid food, 3 for you are living your lives dominated by the mind-set of the flesh. Ask yourselves: Is there jealousy among you? Do you compare yourselves with others? Do you quarrel like children and end up taking sides? If so, this proves that you are living your lives centered on yourselves, dominated by the mind-set of the flesh, and behaving like unbelievers.

2. Love is the default we are to live by when others harm us!

Romans 13:8-10 (NKJV)

Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9 For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not bear false witness,” “You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

Romans 13:8-10 (NLT)

Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law. 9 For the commandments say, “You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not covet.” These—and other such commandments—are summed up in this one commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law.

1 Peter 3:8-9 (NLT)

Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. 9 Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and He will grant you His blessing.

Colossians 3:12-14 (NLT)

Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.

3. Love refuses to harbor judgments, bitterness, unforgiveness, and malice when wronged.

Romans 12:9-21 (NLT)

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. 12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. 13 When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. 15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! 17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. 19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,”

says the LORD. 20 Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” 21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

Ephesians 4:29-32 (NLT)

Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. 30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, He has identified you as His own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Mark 11:25-26 (AMP)

And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him and let it drop (leave it, let it go), in order that your Father Who is in heaven may also forgive you your [own] failings and shortcomings and let them drop. 26 But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your failings and shortcomings.

1 Peter 4:8 Amplified

Above all things have intense and unfailing love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins [forgives and disregards the offenses of others].

Proverbs 10:12 Amplified

Hatred stirs up contentions, but love covers all transgressions.

Love does not broadcast other people’s failures…

“Did you hear about…” Love will keep quiet about it!

Some people make it their job to share negatives…

4. Love disarms those who treat you like an enemy.

Philippians 2:3 -KJV

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves.

Philippians 2:3-4 (Passion Translation)

Be free from pride-filled opinions, for they will only harm your cherished unity. Don’t allow self-promotion to hide in your hearts, but in authentic humility put others first and view others as more important than yourselves. (4) Abandon every display of selfishness. Possess a greater concern for what matters to others instead of your own interests.

You don’t always have to prove your point.

 

2 Timothy 2:24 -NKJV

And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, (25) in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, (26) and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.

2 Timothy 2:23-26 (Passion Translation)

Stay away from all the foolish arguments of the immature, for these disputes will only generate more conflict. (24) For a true servant of our Lord Jesus will not be argumentative but gentle toward all and skilled in helping others see the truth, having great patience toward the immature. (25) Then with meekness you’ll be able to carefully enlighten those who argue with you so they can see God’s gracious gift of repentance and be brought to the truth. (26) This will cause them to rediscover themselves and escape from the snare of Satan who caught them in his trap so that they would carry out his purposes.

The demonic realm is invited to do life with you when you choose strife. Instead, choose love:

Matthew 5: 38-44 – NKJV

You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. (39) But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. (40) If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. (41) And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. (42) Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away. (43) “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ (44) But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, (45) that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. (46) For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? (47) And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? (48) Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

This is completely the opposite of what you feel like doing.

Matthew 5:44-48 (Message)

I’m challenging that. I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that. “In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.

Luke 6:27-36 (Passion Translation)

Love Your Enemies

But if you will listen, I say to you, love your enemies and do something wonderful for them in return for their hatred. (28) When someone curses you, bless that person in return. When you are mistreated and harassed by others, accept it as your mission to pray for them. (29) To those who despise you, continue to serve them and minister to them. If someone takes away your coat, give him as a gift your shirt as well. (30) When someone comes to beg from you, give to that person what you have. When things are wrongly taken from you, do not demand they be given back. (31) However you wish to be treated by others is how you should treat everyone else. (32) “Are you really showing true love by only loving those who love you back? Even those who don’t know God will do that. (33) Are you really showing compassion when you do good deeds only to those who do good deeds to you? Even those who don’t know God will do that. (34) “If you lend money only to those you know will repay you, what credit is that to your character? Even those who don’t know God do that. (35) But love your enemies and continue to treat them well. When you lend money, don’t despair if you are never paid back, for it is not lost. You will receive a rich reward and you will be known as true children of the Most High God, having his same nature. For your Father is famous for his kindness to heal even the thankless and cruel. (36) Show mercy and compassion for others, just as your heavenly Father overflows with mercy and compassion for all.”

Lastly, here is a compilation of different translations of 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 that I’ve had in my files since the 1980’s:

I CORINTHIANS 13:4 – 7

Let me describe love. It is slow to lose patience; love stays in difficult relationships with kindness, and it always looks for ways to be constructive. There is no envy in love. It is not possessive and never boils over with jealousy. Love makes no parade of itself; it never boasts, nor does it puff up with pride. Love is never arrogant and never puts itself on display, because it is neither anxious to impress, nor does it cherish inflated ideas of its own importance. Love never gets irritated and is never resentful.

Love holds no grudges, and it keeps no record of evil done to it. Love refuses to be provoked and never harbors evil thoughts.

Love is not rude or grasping or overly sensitive, nor does love search for imperfections and faults in others. Love does not compile statistics of evil or gloat over the wickedness of other people. On the contrary, it is glad with all good men when truth prevails. Love celebrates what is real and not what is perverse or incomplete.

Love never does the graceless thing. Love has good manners and does not pursue selfish advantage. Love never insists on its own rights, never irritably loses its temper, and never nurses its wrath to keep it warm. Love is not touchy.

Love can stand any kind of treatment because there are no limits to its endurance, no end to its trust. Love bears up under anything; it perseveres in all circumstances. Love’s first instinct is to believe in people. If you love someone, you will be loyal to him no matter what the cost. You will always believe in him, always expect the best in him, and always stand your ground in defending him. Love never regards anyone or anything as hopeless. Love keeps up hope in everything. Love’s hope never fades.

Love keeps on keeping on! It trusts in God in every situation and expects God to act in all circumstances. Love goes on forever. Nothing can destroy love. Nothing can happen that can break love’s spirit. In fact, it is the one thing that still stands when all else has fallen.

Action Points

1. Do you think about love as the most important thing in all of your relationships?

2. Do you seek to respond in love when others do you wrong and say things thst are just not true about you?

3. Do you practice loving those who act like enemies by praying for them and seeking in some way to do something good for them?

4. What do you need to change so that others see the love of God in your life?