The love inspired by our love for Jesus will be seen in every soul, rich or poor, as a value that human estimation cannot measure. The world fades into insignificance compared to the value of a soul. The love that God revealed for man is beyond any human computation. It is infinite, and the human instrument, who partakes of the divine nature, will love as Christ loved and will work as He worked. There will be a natural compassion and sympathy that will not fail or be discouraged. This spirit must be encouraged to prevail in every heart and be revealed in every life. This love can only be kept holy, refined, pure, and elevated through the love in the soul for Jesus Christ, nourished by daily communion with God.
All this coldness on the part of Christians is a denial of faith. However, this spirit will melt before the bright rays of Christ’s love in the followers of Christ. Naturally and voluntarily, he will obey the injunction: “That you love one another as I have loved you.”
John, the “beloved disciple,” is an example:
The confident love and unselfish devotion manifested in John’s life and character present lessons of great value to the Christian church. John did not naturally possess the amiability of character that his later experience revealed. He had, by nature, serious defects. Not only was he proud, boastful, and ambitious for honors, but he was also impetuous and vindictive when injured. He and his brother were called “Sons of Thunder.” Mark 3:17. But behind these things, the divine Master saw the ardent, sincere, and loving heart. Jesus rebuked his selfishness, disappointed his ambitions, and tested his faith. But he revealed what his soul longed for—the beauty of holiness, the transforming power of love.
Then John, a disciple of Jesus, says: “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven and consume them, as Elijah did?” (Luke 9:54) referring to the destruction of the Samaritan captains and their soldiers sent to seek the prophet, Elijah. They were surprised to see that Jesus was bothered by their words, and they were even more surprised when His reproof reached their ears: “You know not what manner of spirit you are of. For the Son of Man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them” Luke 9:55 (KJV).
Jesus understood the reason behind the request and thus rebuked the pride and ambition of the two disciples: “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant; and whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave – just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:25-28.
The lessons of Christ presenting meekness, humility, and love as essential to growth in grace and as a condition of His work were of the highest value to John. He treasured each lesson and constantly sought to lead his life in harmony with the divine pattern. John had begun to discern the glory of Christ, not the earthly pomp and power he had been taught to expect, but “the glory as of the Only Begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14. John’s fervent and deep affection for his Master was not the cause of Christ’s love for him but the effect of that love. John wanted to become like Jesus, and he became meek and gentle under the transforming influence of Christ’s love. The self was hidden in Jesus. More than all his companions, John surrendered to the power of this extraordinary life.
He says: “For the life was revealed, and we saw it.” 1 John 1:2. “And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace.” John 1:16. John had an experimental knowledge of the Savior. His Master’s lessons remained engraved in his mind. When he testified of the Savior’s grace, his simple language became eloquent with the love that permeated his entire being.
It was John’s profound love for Christ that propelled him to seek His presence always. The Savior’s love encompassed all twelve, yet John’s spirit was uniquely receptive. With a childlike trust, he opened his heart to Jesus, forging a bond of deep affection. Through this connection, the Savior’s profound spiritual teachings were transmitted to the people, illuminating their path to spiritual growth.
Jesus loves those who represent the Father, and John could speak of the Father’s love as no other disciple could. He revealed to his fellow men what he felt in his heart, representing in his character the attributes of God. The glory of the Lord was revealed in his face. The beauty of the holiness that had transformed him radiated from his countenance with the glory of Christ. With adoration and love, he beheld the Savior until he resembled Him and became acquainted with Him, which became his only desire, and in his character was reflected the character of his Master.
“Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God! Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we will be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” 1 John 3:1, 2.
Through Christ’s sacrifice, believers are granted the opportunity to receive all things necessary for life and godliness. God beckons us to strive for perfection, presenting us with Christ’s character as our guide. Through His humanity and a life of constant example and divine cooperation, the Savior demonstrated that human beings can attain perfection of character in this life. This is the assurance that God bestows upon us, affirming our potential for complete victory.
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