Love Link

Colossians 3:9-11 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, 10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of God who created him, 11 where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all. 
 
THIS Scripture is one of the many, many references in the Bible that describe the people of God as being united in God. Another of Jesus’ great “unity teachings” is his affirmation of the two great commands: “Love God and love one another” (Mark 12:30-31). Have you ever wondered why Jesus joins loving others with loving God?
    The answer comes from the very beginning in Genesis 1:26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”
    Humanity bears God’s image. We have some of his character – ability to think, work, love, know right from wrong and govern. God gave to man to be his ambassador on the earth. He formed humanity to worship God and enjoy his blessings. In that worship is obedience, love and honor to God and one another. Mankind was given to command to rule the earth in a faithful love relationship with God that would extend to one another.
    That is God’s great love to His creation. Sadly, as we know, sin broke that image-bearing gift. But God made a clear pathway back to loving him. As you are saved into the Kingdom of God, you become a “new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.”
    Bearing God’s image, you are indeed to love God as a child loves her loving parents. And you are also to love those who bear his image – brothers and sisters who have new life in Jesus. Loving others is your expression of loving God. Loving God is obey his love command toward others.
    Yes, in Christ, you are blessed to bear the Creator’s image. He loves you. Express your love to him. Love others in Christ.
 
Life Thought: Connected to Christ, you are connected to all who are connected to Christ.