BAPTISM OF LOVE By Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: John 13:34-35 ("A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.")
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Introduction
The concept of love is central to the Christian faith. Jesus Christ gave His disciples a new commandment to love one another, emphasizing that this love would distinguish His followers from the world. However, loving one another in a fallen and hostile world requires divine enablement—a baptism of love that comes from God Himself. This baptism is the deep and transformative work of the Holy Spirit that empowers believers to live in harmony and unity, even in challenging times.
In this teaching, we will explore the essence of the baptism of love, its significance in our lives as believers, and how it enables us to reflect the character of Christ to a world in desperate need of His love.
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The Call to Love One Another
John 15:12: “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”
Jesus’ command to His disciples to love one another was not merely a suggestion but a foundational principle for their walk of faith. Despite their differences and backgrounds, they were called to unite in love. This bond of brotherly love would sustain them through the trials and persecutions they would face.
Similarly, as believers today, we are called to reflect this love. Our love for one another is a testimony to the world that we belong to Christ. It is a love that is selfless, sacrificial, and enduring, modeled after the love of Jesus Himself.
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The Importance of Unity in Love
Psalm 133:1: “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
In a world filled with division and animosity, the unity of believers stands as a powerful witness to God’s love. When we walk in the baptism of love, we reject the enemy’s schemes to sow discord and division among us. Instead, we embrace the divine love that unites us in Christ.
The early church demonstrated this unity in love as they shared their lives, resources, and faith with one another. This unity attracted many to the faith and glorified God. We are called to follow their example, cultivating love and unity in our communities.
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Overcoming the Spirit of Hatred
1 John 4:20: “Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.”
The spirit of hatred and animosity is rampant in today’s world. From violence and wars to divisions in families and communities, hatred seeks to destroy the bond of love. However, as followers of Christ, we are called to overcome hatred through the power of God’s love.
The baptism of love enables us to resist the enemy’s attempts to fill our hearts with bitterness and resentment. Instead, we are empowered to forgive, reconcile, and love even those who may have wronged us. This love is not natural but supernatural, flowing from the Holy Spirit within us.
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Living in the Baptism of Love
Romans 5:5: “And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”
To live in the baptism of love is to allow the Holy Spirit to continually fill and empower us. This love is not just a feeling but a commitment to care for, serve, and build up one another. It requires humility, patience, and a willingness to prioritize others above ourselves.
When we live in this love, we reflect the character of Christ and become vessels of His grace and mercy. This love draws others to God and brings healing and restoration to broken relationships and communities.
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Summary
The baptism of love is a divine enablement that empowers believers to live out the commandment to love one another. It unites us in Christ, overcomes the spirit of hatred, and enables us to reflect God’s love to the world. In a time when the world is desperate for love, the church must rise as a beacon of hope and light, demonstrating the transformative power of God’s love.
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Conclusion
The baptism of love is not optional for believers; it is essential. It is the mark of true discipleship and the foundation of our witness to the world. As we yield to the Holy Spirit and embrace God’s love, we are transformed into His likeness and empowered to love others as He has loved us.
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Call to Action
Choose today to walk in the baptism of love. Allow the Holy Spirit to fill your heart with God’s love and empower you to love others selflessly. Commit to fostering unity in your relationships and resisting the enemy’s attempts to sow discord and hatred.
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Final Word of Encouragement
God’s love is greater than any force of darkness in this world. As you walk in His love, you will experience His peace, joy, and power in your life. Remember that His love is unchanging and everlasting, and it will sustain you through every challenge you face.
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Prayer of Salvation
Heavenly Father, I come to You in the name of Jesus. I acknowledge that I am a sinner in need of Your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus died for my sins and rose again to give me eternal life. Today, I surrender my life to You and ask You to fill me with Your love and Holy Spirit. Help me to walk in Your ways and to love others as You have loved me. Thank You for saving me and making me Your child. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
