LOVE, INC.

I recently saw the above listing for an organization, and assumed it meant Love Incorporated, but I found out it meant "Love---In the Name of Christ", a very interesting name for a group of believers!

They had based their name on a verse of scripture in Paul's letter to the church in Colosse (Col 3:17)

In the NLT it reads "And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father". These people were from various churches in their area who decided they wanted to help needy and hurting people in the name of Jesus. The Word of God is literally saturated with the word "love", and indeed it should be portrayed by everyone who claims to be a follower of Jesus! Right? But sad to say even a brief survey of church history will reveal something very different! Over the years churches have fought with each other, divided into different groups, and even some religious wars were started by people bearing the name of Christ. Certainly not a very good track record for followers of Jesus the "Prince of peace"!

John, the beloved disciple of Jesus, was known as the "Apostle of love", because he wrote so much about the love of God. A good example of this is found in his first epistle (1 John 4:7-12). Just read these few verses and count how many times he uses some form of the word love! For example "God is love", and "if we love each other, God lives in us, and His love is brought to full expression in us" etc. This passage, as well as many others, clearly show that love for God, and love for one another, should be the trademark of followers of Jesus! We need to ask ourselves often "how well does my life show forth the love of Christ?"

What are a few ways that we can show this love? Maybe within your own immediate family might be a good place to start, then your close neighbor could be next, then the cashier at the grocery store etc. Most people respond to real love shown to them, so it shouldn't be hard to get started. We don't need to be a Bible School graduate either, to qualify as someone who can spread the love of Christ around! Any follower of Jesus can be used. The Holy Spirit who indwells believers in Jesus, is just waiting for us to give Him an opportunity to express the love of Christ! Why not allow Him to work through you to show forth the love of Christ this week?

Sincerely submitted.

Dave Jamer