Bible reading in one year: Ps. 129, 130 & 131; 1 Cor 11: 1-17
“Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ – 1 Cor 11:1 (KJV).
The believer, like Paul, is called to follow Christ’s example and become a Christlike person. What is Christlikeness? Christlikeness is first and most importantly, a complete love for God and an unselfish love for others. The Christian’s love for God motivates and directs his/her love for others, just as Jesus’ love for the Father was always first and His love for others, though secondary, was also based on His love for the Father.
Christ’s love for His Father was revealed in His concern for God’s glory and for interaction, companionship and unity with His Father. We see this love in His faithfulness to God and His willingness to carry out God’s will, His ultimate plan and purpose by sacrificing His life to restore our relationship with God. Christ love for His Father is further revealed in His love for all that is right and true and His hatred of sin.
Christ love for people was seen in His compassion, kindness, tears, humility and good works, gentleness, forgiveness, patience and mercy. He also showed love when He spoke out strongly and clearly against sin, when he expressed anger at those who were cruel or insensitive to the suffering and needs of others, when He warned us of Hell and when He offered Himself as a sacrifice to provide forgiveness for our sins and give us the opportunity for a personal and eternal relationship with God.
Pastor Lawrence Chiazor