His World, His Love, His Freedom

Lyricist Hal David and composer Burt Bacharach collaborated to write a song entitled " What the World Needs Now " ("Is Love"). They noted that the human troubles in society during the civil rights movement inspired them to write this song. It gained secular fame and its lyrics were accurate.

Sadly, the world plunges deeper and deeper into darkness. Without Jesus, the spirit of the world cannot deliver what it desperately needs most—the love of Christ (Romans 5:5). God gave the world that love, and He still does through the gift of Jesus (John 3:16). Though God has set the stage for love, humankind must be set free to live it.

Unconditional love (agape) is a command (John 15:17), and the Holy Spirit must teach us to love. It is not automatic. Nowhere in human DNA is there a desire to love or pray for an enemy (Matthew. 5:44). How, then, will the world get more of the kind of love it is screaming for? The answer is simple and twofold.

First, God empowers true believers to obey His instructions to practice love. He instructs unbelievers to be disciples of Jesus Christ (John 13:34-35). Disciples who display true love draw inquiring hearts to the living water of Jesus Christ (John 4:13-14).

Second, one must be free to love with a godly love. Being bound to sin keeps a person from loving himself or others (Matthew 22:39). The righteousness of God produces a love that, when practiced, transforms the believer to draw and point others to Jesus Christ (John 14:6). That's it!

by Milton Harding

Prayer and Care Minister mharding@sbcv.org