Follow Christ by Loving Others

If you want to follow Christ, changing your perspective and behavior, take all of the love and concern you have for yourself and put it all on others.  Genuine love, which fulfills every law, does not seek its own profit at the expense of the welfare of others.  Love is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

This is emphasized in all Scripture.  It may be applied to those who share our faith and to those who do not.  Jesus said, "You have heard that it was said, "love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."  The best, the most perfect and blessed condition is that in which we can most usefully and profitably serve others.  Keep in mind that spiritual service is superior to material service and that the community is more important than individuals.

This responsibility of service to others rests upon both spiritual and secular leaders.  There can be no greater plague than people seeking their own advantage.  The more a profession is useful to the needs of a community, the more it is honorable. 

We are living in those last days that Christ spoke about.  Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.  People want to live on the work of others. Christianity demands exactly the opposite.  The Christian who gives up even what is rightly due, is always ready to help others, holding on to the words of Jesus;  "It is more blessed to give than to receive."

Martin Bucer, Instruction in Christian Love

Who is Martin Bucer?  Martin Bucer, November 11, 1491-February 25, 1551, was a Protestant reformer whose primary ministry was in Strasbourg.