Today's encouragement comes from 3 John (1):1 & 2a, where we read these words:
“The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth. Beloved . . . ” (ESV)Do we see why John, the “Apostle of love,” is called, “The Apostle of love”? Three times in the first 12 words (in English) of this Epistle, “love” or its cog-nate is employed. Love is of supreme importance in Christ’s true church, and it should never be restrained.
True love is always holy and pure (in Jesus alone). Once “love” becomes im-pure or unholy, it is no longer love. It has devolved down to lust or some other base emotion. Let us always love each other freely in the church, in Jesus; and as we do so it will be both real and God-pleasing.
[Puritan quote of the day: "The nature of God is lovely in Christ, and our na-ture in Christ is lovely to Him.” —Richard Sibbes, in "Glorious Freedom"]
[Puritan quote of the day: "The nature of God is lovely in Christ, and our na-ture in Christ is lovely to Him.” —Richard Sibbes, in "Glorious Freedom"]
