Love Not Based on Performance

If we cannot love someone unless they measure up to our idea of perfection, then there is no love at all.

When we love someone just because we think they measure up to our idea of perfection then we still have no love.

Love is not based on performance!

Love is an action and attitude! When there is a snarky attitude and covertly mean actions of payback for failing to measure up then we know there is no love in that heart. We can feel sad for these people and pray for their repentance.

Those who feel justified in being mean to someone because they didn't do what was expected, then there is self righteousness as well as a judgmental mentality that is condemned by God.

Let's take a look at Jesus Christ. He spoke the truth, did miracles for those who had faith and died for sinners while they were still sinners. Does this sound like someone who came to condemn those that were not perfect. He knew who was good enough or not good enough and knew no one fit that bill.

John 3:16-18 "16 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. 18 Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son."

Christ will condemn those to hell who refuse to believe on Him, but that is not His desire.

2 Peter 3:9 " 9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance. "

John 3:17-19 "…17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. 18 Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19 And this is the verdict: The Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness rather than the Light, because their deeds were evil.…"

We must speak the truth with an attitude of helping others.

Just as we desire to have good relationships with everyone it will not be possible because of the hardness of hearts in the world.

Those who attempt to beat others into the ground, while gossiping behind their backs about things they know little about are not interested in helping. These people just love their superiority, even though it is not based on truth or knowledge to be able to discern rightly someone else's life.

Making judgments based on guesses are what the Pharisees did. They took half truths and lies to gather their "evidence" against Christ then accused Him of things that were not true about Him at all.

If you love Jesus Christ and are growing in wisdom you can expect the world to attack your character. You might even experience loss of friends and family members based on these lies. Christ did not escape it and He is perfect, we will not escape it either.

John 15:20-21 "20 Remember the word that I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they kept My word, they will keep yours as well. 21 But they will treat you like this on account of My name, because they do not know the One who sent Me.…"