True Love

Ephesians 6:21-24

21 But that you also may know about my circumstances, how I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make everything known to you. 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know about us, and that he may comfort your hearts. 23 Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible love.

In reading Paul’s conclusion to this letter, I thought it was funny that he wrote all this stuff, but when it came to his own condition, his demeanor was almost half-hearted, “yeah, Tychicus can tell you about it if you really want to know.”  I think this shows his true dedication to the teaching of his students and his selflessness.  I mean, he did mention he was in jail.  But instead of whining and complaining, he stayed focused on his task.

I’d like to focus on the last two verses because I think that (and I’m sure I’ve said this before) we tend to “skip over” the salutations and greetings in these letters.  Let’s look at how he words it though. Peace and love with faith.  To me that says that it is the faith that brings about peace and love.  This is a common theme throughout biblical teaching, however I don’t think it is pointed out scripturally enough.  Even better is the qualifier that is next, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.  What exactly is from the Father and Son?  FAITH!  The faith comes from them (not us) and in turn we are granted peace and love.

Next, he prays for grace upon all believers.  Now, if you’ve spent any considerable amount of time reading the gospels, this kinda seems like a misnomer, doesn’t it? God has given us His grace through Jesus Christ.  It is accepted by us through our belief in and love for Him.  What kind of love, though?  Incorruptible love.  This mean it is true love, not superficial.  It doesn’t matter what we say or do, it matters what we truly believe in our hearts.  This again qualifies our relationship that it doesn’t matter what actions we carry out.  We could go to church every day, tithe 50% of our paycheck, give another 25% away, take communion every evening before bed…it doesn’t matter if we don’t truly believe.

True love is incorruptible because it loves completely.  It cannot be swayed by anything else this world has to offer.  Certainly, we can be tempted to sway or turn away, but our hearts remain with “our first true love” as mentioned in Revelation.

Do you have true love for Christ today or is it just superficial?  Looking good in church doesn’t get you into heaven, seeking Him out wholeheartedly does.  He loves us absolutely, completely, and incorruptibly.  Why don’t we love Him the same way?

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