3 Things That Can Hold You Back from Loving Others

The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.1 Timothy 1:5“Love that issues from…” Where does love come from? How does love grow? How can you become a loving person, and not a divisive one, at work, in your home, and in the church?Love comes from a pure heartThe word pure means “undivided.” James says the “double-minded” man is “unstable in all his ways” (Jas. 1:8). Set your heart on things above (Col. 3:1). Ask God to give you a stronger faith in Christ, a deeper love for Christ, and a firmer hope in Christ. Then you will be able to love.Love comes from a good conscienceThis means a conscience that is at rest with God. Is there a known sin in your life that you have allowed to remain? Your conscience is not at rest. It’s making you an angry, divisive person. It’s the root of your complaining spirit. Come clean with Christ. Be washed and receive a clean conscience. Then you will be able to love!Love comes from a sincere faithA sincere faith means that you really trust Christ. You don’t just talk about it. You trust Him whatever is happening—when you lose a job or get a new job, at the wedding and at the funeral. Peter says your trials prove that your faith is genuine (1 Pet. 1:6-7).If you receive these gifts today, you will be able to love! You will be able to love your wife, your children, and people who are difficult. You will love the church. Most of all you will love the Lord Jesus Christ who loved you and gave Himself for you.Which of these three areas might be holding you back from truly being able to love?