Counsel #5 — Imitating Christ’s Love

Picture: Counsel #5 — Imitating Christ’s LoveCI 46.1

In contrast to Christ’s example, mere knowledge (traditions, doctrines, rituals) without love produces a pseudo-religious aristocracy that thrives on self-superiority, hatred, and division.CI 46.2

Only the mind that is surrendered to Christ can love all people as He does.^{[44]https://adventistreview.org/magazine-article/the-least-of-these/} Because we do not know our own hearts, we must ask God for the Holy Spirit’s clarity to show us any of our attitudes or beliefs that are discriminatory, classist, or racist.CI 46.3

“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal…And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 NKJVCI 46.4

“The last rays of merciful light, the last message of mercy to be given to the world, is a revelation of His character of love. The children of God are to manifest His glory. In their own life and character they are to reveal what the grace of God has done for them. The light of the Sun of Righteousness is to shine forth in good works — in words of truth and deeds of holiness.” Ellen White in Christ’s Object Lessons, pp. 415, 416CI 46.5

Reflect: How can you inspire your local church to become more inclusive?CI 46.6