Minister’s Corner: Love, the governing factor

Love is the governing factor in God’s plan for our lives. Jesus said, as is recorded in John 13:35 (KJV), “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” But true love for our brethren must be actively expressed. Jesus also said, “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets” (Matthew 7:12 KJV).
What this boils down to is that God wants us to deal fairly with one another. We are not to cheat one another in business, but treat everyone equally. We are not to take advantage of someone’s circumstances to prosper. We are to extend kindness and compassion to those less fortunate than ourselves.
But Christ not only preached this message, He demonstrated it by His actions as He ministered to every segment of Jewish society. He did not reserve His kind words or healing miracles for the wealthy or those of high estate. He treated all men equally for “God is no respecter of persons” (Acts 10:34 KJV). His actions spoke as loud as His words.
God has given to us so much, but we cannot expect to continue to receive the good gifts of God if we do not relate ourselves to others in terms of positive kindness and helpfulness. Jesus said in Matthew 10:42 (KJV), “And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.” Remember, love is the governing factor.