2 Corinthians 5:14 For the love of Christ constrains us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: Every quality met in the Lord Jesus which could adapt him to accomplish the work which he undertook on behalf of our human race. But if one attribute must be selected as peculiarly and pre-eminently characteristic of him, if one word rather than another rises to our lips when we speak of him, that attribute, that word, is love. I. THE OBJECTS OF CHRIST'S LOVE. Look at his earthly life and ministry, and the comprehensive range within which the love of Jesus operates becomes at once and gloriously obvious. 1. His friends. Of this fact - Christ's love to his friends - we have abundant proof: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." 2. His enemies. This is more wonderful, yet the truth of what the apostle says is undeniable: "While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." And we cannot forget his prayer offered for his enemies as they nailed him to the cross: "Father, forgive them." 3. All mankind. During his ministry the Lord Jesus was gracious to all with whom he came into contact. His aim was by the bands of love to draw all men unto himself, that they might rest and live in his Divine and mighty heart. II. THE PROOFS OF CHRIST'S LOVE. The great facts of his ministry and mediation are evidences of his benevolence. 1. His advent. "Nothing brought him from above - Nothing but redeeming love." 2. His ministry. He went about doing good, animated by the mighty principle of love to man. Eyed sickness he healed, every demon he expelled, every sinner he pardoned, was a witness to the love of Christ. 3. His death. His was the love "stronger than death:" for not only could not death destroy it, death gave it a new life and power in the world and over men. 4. His prevailing intercession and brotherly care. III. THE CHARACTERISTICS OF CHRIST'S LOVE. 1. It is sympathizing and. tender, "passing the love of women." 2. It is thoughtful and wise, ever providing for the true welfare of those to whom it is revealed. 3. It is forbearing and patient, otherwise it might often have been checked and repressed. 4. It is self-sacrificing, counting nothing too great to be given up in order to secure its ends. 5. It is faithful "Having loved his own, he loveth them even unto the end." 6. It is unquenchable and everlasting: "Who can separate us from the love of Christ?" - T. Parallel Verses KJV: For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: |
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