LOVE ONE ANOTHER

From the Board of Elders

Dear Members in Christ,

1) Lord’s Day Bulletin  

2) Love One Another.

“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” John 13:34-35

1) Lord’s Day Bulletin: I was told that not many read the Lord’s Day Bulletin. Why? Today, I would like to highlight the importance of the Bulletin.

The Lord’s Day Bulletin is the official publication of Calvary Jaya Bible-Presbyterian Fellowship. The contents written and published represent the official position of the Church in faith, practice, doctrines and teachings. Thus, it is the responsibility and burden of the Congregation to read and understand the content herein.

The Bulletin also contains information for the day’s, week’s activities and relevant announcements. It is disheartening to hear of members asking for activities and announcements that had already been published. If we understand the reasons for the Bulletin, which is for the benefit of the Congregation, unnecessary questions would not be asked. The Bulletin would then be treasured rather than treated like another “piece of paper” where it is thrown away after reading.

Please keep the Bulletin for the week where you can refer for the week’s activities and forthcoming worship services. The Pastoral, Preacher and Elder’s messages and exhortations could also be filed for your meditation, learning and future reference.

May God bless each one with wisdom, learning and understanding of the importance of the Lord’s Day Bulletin.

2) Love One Another. Many of us are familiar with the meaning of “Agape love” or “Unconditional love” of Christ. It has been taught, shared and discussed on numerous occasions in sermons and Bible study groups. Many, without hesitation, would also agree that this should be the way that all Christians should live. It is the love of Christ and NOT the way the world live and love. Christian love is not of the world but of Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ lived and taught us on agape love which is unconditional love. We should all pattern our lives against this love for His sake and glory.

Examples:

1) Love them that hate you. “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” Mat 5:44

2) Love and turn your other cheek. Let them see the difference in God’s love: “But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.” Mat 5:39

3) Do not fight back. Walk a mile more. Demonstrate the love of God. You shall then heap coals of fire on his head. He will be bewildered and just wondered why you do not fight back. It is a testimony and witness because of your love for Christ that he may come to know God: “And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.” Mat 5:41. “Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.” Romans 12:20.

Christians are to love “your enemies”: If we are to love our enemies what more that Christians should love one another “especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:10. Let us remember to learn from the teaching of God otherwise we would be like what the Bible says “Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 2 Timothy 3:7. So let us put into practice what the Bible tells us to do “… be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only...” (James 1:22) that the world may know that Christians are His disciples (cf. John 13:35).

How do we practise “love one another”: The Bible is God’s Word. Christians must know the Bible. Knowing the Bible means reading, meditating, recalling and applying in the daily way of life. If a Christian does not know God’s Word how can he apply and live a godly Christian life? A Christian life without the Bible is like a person in the world without the true light. He would carry the worldly wisdom of love which is basically ungodly, selfish, lustful, materialistic and expecting rewards and reciprocity as opposed to God’s love. God’s love is agape or unconditional love where the world does not comprehend. It is directly opposed to the worldly love where self is out of the picture. Where can we find God’s agape love? In the Bible where we can learn and apply. Thus, knowing the Bible is of utmost importance to a Christian. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalms 119:105.

Loving One another and Conflicts: Let us learn from the Bible how Christians can avoid conflicts. Conflicts normally arise between individuals because of the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and pride of life (cf. 1 John 2:16). These are manifested in human attitude and behaviour like greed, envy, lack of faith and trust in one another, poor judgement, feeling of superiority and “beyond reproach attitude”, “wiser and more knowledgeable than you”, “I do not need you to point out my weakness”. These are not exhaustive. Each one of us can add more to this list of human pride and failures.

It is sad and disappointing to hear recently that a fellow Christian had been told off by a brethren, who is also an active member of the Church, when enquired of his spiritual well-being. The brethren felt offended and shot back negatively instead of thanking the person for his concern. This is totally unexpected when members are to “love one another”. To “love one another” has always been the theme of Christian love, support and living. Messages after messages have been preached and taught. Yet, there are some who are still deaf in hearing. Do Christians have unteachable hearts? God forbid. Christians should be teachable and learn to trust and obey God’s Word. Love and forgive one another. Let us always remember to practise what we learn. May the Lord help and strengthen us.

Pray for one another: Let us continue to pray, serve God and serve one another. Pray for the weaker brethren that they may realise the love of God through fellow brethren. Brethren must learn to love and carry one another’s burden. Brethren with stronger faith must continue to serve and not give up in strengthening the weaker brethren. The weaker ones are to respond, receive and thank the brethren who reaches out to them with gratitude and thanksgiving. God will be glorified. In this manner, the world will know that we are His disciples!

“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.” Colossians 3:12-14.

 “... That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” John 13:34-35. Amen.

In Christ,
Eld. Choe Tong Seng