THE BIBLICAL DEFINITION OF LOVE

[jeremiah1five]

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Jn 3:16.

"loved" Greek Word: ἀγαπάω
Transliteration: agapaō
Part of Speech: verb

English Words used in KJV:
love 135
beloved 7
[Total Count: 142]

perhaps from agan (much) [or compare <H5689> (`agab)]; to love (in a social or moral sense).
[from James Strong].

So, Godly love which is Holy love is a verb, a word that describes "action."

This love has NOTHING to do with emotions, especially human emotions.

God's Love for His people called out of the world (John 17:6) is a Holy love. And as Christians we are commanded to not give that which is holy to dogs (unsaved, non-Covenant people.)
God's love given is to those He saves, and we are commanded to give this holy love to fellow believers in Covenant with God for the believer's edification.
There is no edification at all when holy love is given to reprobates who do not know Christ and are "none of His" (Rom. 8:9.)

Sadly, there are Christians that disobey God's command and waste Godly love when they give it to an ungodly people. This in effect is to support their ungodly living and by loving God's enemies is treason to the King of kings.
I KNOW what I as a Christian I 'got coming to me' from fellow believers and when Christians give holy love God commanded be given to brethren this is a betrayal to the fellowship of believers. It is spiritual adultery. It is spiritual fornication. And it is offensive.

 

[Fred]

Sadly, there are Christians that disobey God's command and waste Godly love when they give it to an ungodly people. This in effect is to support their ungodly living and by loving God's enemies is treason to the King of kings.

Hi J1-5,
Please explain how this is done.

Does it mean doing what the unsaved do and/or thinking how they think? Or, does it go beyond this?

Thanks.

 

[jeremiah1five]

God's love to His people is discriminatory. God is Immutable. God loves and God hates. He is not fickle. He loves His people and He hates those NOT His people. His people are those whose names are in the book of life of the lamb slain from the foundation (creation) of the world.
And if Christians were to be obedient to God's command for brethren to love brethren ONLY then this is an effective evangelical tool.
Jesus said:
34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, IF ye have love one to another. Jn 13:34–35.
IF we were to be OBEDIENT to Christ's command as stated above then we as OBEDIENT living epistles to be read of ALL men would induce in them a desire to WANT this love given to fellow believers and without opening your mouth and will cause in them such a jealousy and envy that MAYBE God will use your OBEDIENCE and they may approach you with questions about the hope in you. But giving Godly love to the ungodly bastardizes the Godly love God has given the believer and cheapens it in the eyes of the world of unbelievers. We are to be discriminate in our godly love. It is meant for brethren ONLY.

 

[CrazyCalvinistUncle]

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Jn 3:16.

One of the great advantages I have in the world regarding translations, traditions, backgrounds, ect is that I can pick and choose what aligns best, in my mind, with the Scripture without doing damage. I am not beholden to anyone.

This may confuse folks here. I'm called dispensational by many. I've been confused with both covenantal and dispensational theology. What to call where I actually sit...who knows. Orthodox certainly. Reformed absolutely. But I have no particular "heros" other than Spurgeon.

All that said I think that John 3:16 has so many assumptions that it is incredibly difficult to return to the text with new eyes. And here, again, I can pick and choose on what I think the best interpretation is without having to uphold everything the interpreter says as true.

Case and point: James White. I love this man but I do not hold all of his beliefs. One of the best living apologists on the planet but he's gotten a little weird lately with the theonomy and post mil stuff.

His interpretation of John 3:14-18 is one of the best though.

 

[jeremiah1five]

Hi J1-5,
Please explain how this is done.

Does it mean doing what the unsaved do and/or thinking how they think? Or, does it go beyond this?

Thanks.

Hello Fred.
If I understand your question let me offer this:

4 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 1 Jn 4:1.

There is significant reason why we are instructed to determine whether a person is "of God" (born-again, saved.) From Genesis 3:15 onward God makes precise distinction of two groups of people in the world.

15 And I will put enmity between thee [serpent] and the woman, and between thy seed [serpent] and her seed; Gen. 3:15.

It is God who has put enmity between His people and unbelievers, between holy people and unholy people, between righteous and unrighteous people. God has done this for a reason. That is because there are two families on the planet since Covenant Adam and non-covenant world of unbelievers. Notice Jesus Himself making the same distinction between "THEM" and "THE WORLD" in John 17:

6 I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. Jn 17:6.

9 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. 10 And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. Jn 17:9–10.

Christ is glorified in us. But Christ is NOT glorified in us when we sin the sin of disobedience like Adam sinned and disobey God in His commands. God's love is a Holy love. God gave (His only begotten Son.) A love that is action. A love that is a verb. AND IF we love God and His Christ we will OBEY Him. When we disobey God and His Christ when we lean on our own understanding and do and say things in the vanity of our minds to and for unsaved, unholy people we show that we do not love God. And so, our profession to Christ is a sham, it is a lie, and lying shows that our father is not God, but the devil. For he has lied from the beginning.

Everything God has given to His people Israel and the Church is grace and gift for OUR benefit. We keep the family jewels IN THE FAMILY.
And God is glorified in our obedience and in our love for Him when we OBEY His Law and Command.
So, Church, are you a faithful people? Are you an obedient people? Because when you disobey God and love or give love to unrighteous, unholy people (unbelievers) in disobedience to God and His Christ you show hatred for God and His commands.

I hope this answers your question. Read John 17 and take notice of two groups of people in the world. And take notice of how God treats them and we are to emulate God and treat them the same. Are you your Father's Son? Are you your Father's daughter?
Them keep everything God has given us in the family.
It is God's Law. It is God's Command. It is God's Will.

 

[civic]

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Jn 3:16.

"loved" Greek Word: ἀγαπάω
Transliteration: agapaō
Part of Speech: verb

English Words used in KJV:
love 135
beloved 7
[Total Count: 142]

perhaps from agan (much) [or compare <H5689> (`agab)]; to love (in a social or moral sense).
[from James Strong].

So, Godly love which is Holy love is a verb, a word that describes "action."

This love has NOTHING to do with emotions, especially human emotions.

God's Love for His people called out of the world (John 17:6) is a Holy love. And as Christians we are commanded to not give that which is holy to dogs (unsaved, non-Covenant people.)
God's love given is to those He saves, and we are commanded to give this holy love to fellow believers in Covenant with God for the believer's edification.
There is no edification at all when holy love is given to reprobates who do not know Christ and are "none of His" (Rom. 8:9.)

Sadly, there are Christians that disobey God's command and waste Godly love when they give it to an ungodly people. This in effect is to support their ungodly living and by loving God's enemies is treason to the King of kings.
I KNOW what I as a Christian I 'got coming to me' from fellow believers and when Christians give holy love God commanded be given to brethren this is a betrayal to the fellowship of believers. It is spiritual adultery. It is spiritual fornication. And it is offensive.

Now for the counterargument.

The Golden Rule of Interpretation

“When the plain sense of Scripture makes common sense, seek no other sense; therefore, take every word at its primary, ordinary, usual, literal meaning unless the facts of the immediate context, studied in the light of related passages and axiomatic and fundamental truths, indicate clearly otherwise.”–Dr. David L. Cooper (1886-1965),founder of The Biblical Research Society

Thayers

Cosmos: the inhabitants of the

5. world: θέατρον ἐγενήθημεν τῷ κόσμῳ καί ἀγγέλοις καί ἀνθρώποις, 1 Corinthians 4:9 (Winers Grammar, 127 (121)); particularly the inhabitants of the earth, men, the human race (first so in Sap. (e. g. )): Matthew 13:38; Matthew 18:7; Mark 14:9; John 1:10, 29 ( L in brackets); ; Romans 3:6, 19; 1 Corinthians 1:27f (cf. Winer's Grammar, 189 (178)); ; 2 Corinthians 5:19; James 2:5 (cf. Winer's Grammar, as above); 1 John 2:2 (cf. Winer's Grammar, 577 (536)); ἀρχαῖος κόσμος, of the antediluvians, 2 Peter 2:5; γέννασθαι εἰς τόν κόσμον, John 16:21; ἔρχεσθαι εἰς τόν κόσμον (John 9:39) and εἰς τόν κόσμον τοῦτον, to make its appearance or come into existence among men, spoken of the light which in Christ shone upon men, John 1:9; John 3:19, cf. 12:46; of the Messiah, John 6:14; John 11:27; of Jesus as the Messiah, John 9:39; John 16:28; John 18:37; 1 Timothy 1:15; also ἐισέρχεσθαι εἰς τόν κόσμον, Hebrews 10:5; of false teachers, 2 John 1:7 (yet here L T Tr WH ἐξέρχεσθαι εἰς τόν κόσμον; (so all texts in 1 John 4:1)); to invade, of evils coming into existence among men and beginning to exert their power: of sin and death, Romans 5:12 (of death, Wis. 2:24; Clement of Rome, 1 Cor. 3, 4 [ET]; of idolatry, Wis. 14:14). ἀποστέλλειν τινα εἰς τόν κόσμον, John 3:17; John 10:36; John 17:18; 1 John 4:9; φῶς τοῦ κόσμου, Matthew 5:14; John 8:12; John 9:5; σωτήρ τοῦ κόσμου, John 4:42; 1 John 4:14 (σωτηρία τοῦ κόσμου Wis. 6:26 (25); ἐλπίς τοῦ κόσμου, Wis. 14:6; πρωτόπλαστος πατήρ τοῦ κόσμου, of Adam, Wis. 10:1); στοιχεῖα τοῦ κόσμου (see στοιχεῖον, 3 and 4); ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ, among men, John 16:33; John 17:13; Ephesians 2:12; ἐν κόσμῳ (see Winer's Grammar, 123 (117)), 1 Timothy 3:16; εἶναι ἐν τῷ κόσμου, to dwell among men, John 1:10; John 9:5; John 17:11, 12 R G; 1 John 4:3; εἶναι ἐν κόσμῳ, to be present, Romans 5:13; ἐξελθεῖν, ἐκ τοῦ κόσμου, to withdraw from human society and seek an abode outside of it, 1 Corinthians 5:10; ἀναστρέφεσθαι ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ, to behave oneself, 2 Corinthians 1:12; likewise εἶναι ἐν τῷ κόσμου τούτῳ, 1 John 4:17.

 

[civic]

continued :

6. "the ungodly multitude; the whole mass of men alienated from God, and therefore hostile to the cause of Christ" (cf. Winer's Grammar, 26): John 7:7; John 14:27 (); ; 1 Corinthians 1:21; 1 Corinthians 6:2; 1 Corinthians 11:32; 2 Corinthians 7:10; James 1:27; 1 Peter 5:9; 2 Peter 1:4; 2 Peter 2:20; 1 John 3:1, 13; 1 John 4:5; 1 John 5:19; of the aggregate of ungodly and wicked men in O. T. times, Hebrews 11:38; in Noah's time, ibid. 7; with οὗτος added, Ephesians 2:2 (on which see αἰών, 3); εἶναι ἐκ τοῦ κόσμου and ἐκ τοῦ κόσμου τούτου (see εἰμί, V. 3rd.), John 8:23; John 15:19; John 17:14, 16; 1 John 4:5; λαλεῖν ἐκ τοῦ κόσμου, to speak in accordance with the world's character and mode of thinking, 1 John 4:5; ὁ ἄρχων τοῦ κόσμου τούτου, i. e. the devil, John 12:31; John 14:30; John 16:11; ὁ ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ he that is operative in the world (also of the devil), 1 John 4:4; τό πνεῦμα τοῦ κόσμου

b. of all mankind, but especially of believers, as the object of God’s love J 3:16, 17c; 6:33, 51; 12:47.

William Arndt et al., A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature : A Translation and Adaption of the Fourth Revised and Augmented Edition of Walter Bauer’s Griechisch-Deutsches Worterbuch Zu Den Schrift En Des Neuen Testaments Und Der Ubrigen Urchristlichen Literatur (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1979), 446.

1 John 2:2-He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

1 John 2:15-17-Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

1 John 4:3-6- but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.4 You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 5 They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. 6 We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.

1 John 4:14- And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world

1 John 5:19- We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.

Now its very clear from the Lexicon definition and in 1 John that the cosmos/world does not mean Gods elect ,that is not what John means in his epistle as we see from the Greek Lexicons. It clearly means everyone with no exceptions in this world, all of its inhabitants who make up the ungodly multitude. It is clearly all inclusive of everyone, all, the entire world that lies under the evil one in opposition to God from the context of 1 John.

We see above that the whole world lies under the evil one and its that same identical whole world in 1 John 2:2 that Jesus made PROPITIATION for which is clear from the CONTEXT in 1 John.

World NEVER means Jew/Gentiles in the epistle but means all of the inhabitants of the world /cosmos who are ungodly , where the lust of the flesh, the pride of life and the lust of the eyes come from and the god of this world the evil one the spirit of antichrist , the spirit of falsehoods rules and reigns in all of those inhabitants in opposition to God.

Its that world whom Christ made propitiation in Johns writings.

 

[Fred]

Sadly, there are Christians that disobey God's command and waste Godly love when they give it to an ungodly people.

How much social interaction/affiliation is allowable with unbelievers?

What if there are family members who are not Christians?

 

[jeremiah1five]

How much social interaction/affiliation is allowable with unbelievers?

What if there are family members who are not Christians?

As I submitted Godly love is a verb, a word of action. It is not emotional. But as humans we have emotions and while in the world we were dominated by them. When we first become saved and know and feel God's Presence in our lives and our sins forgiven and our consciences wiped clean there is such an overwhelming joy we feel deep in our bowels for what God had done for us. We want to tell EVERYONE what God did in us. But now comes the discipleship. We MUST be taught the Scriptures and this means getting rooted in a church that teaches and exercises the gifts of the Holy Spirit, a church where the Life of Christ is allowed to manifest and express Himself in His people. A church that teaches that what God began with the Adamic Covenant He continued in the Abrahamic Covenant and continued STILL on the Day of Pentacost. A church where the Scriptures are taught and are the basis of our upbringing in Christ. We have a new life to live. The old live is done away. For however long you lived outside of Christ as an unbeliever is that many years the old life had been ingrained in your life. You learned to think worldly with man's philosophy and ways of doing things. The grasping of the new life in Christ takes time and knowledge and experience. We have a new vocabulary, a new mind, new songs, new methods and new ways of doing things for God's ways are higher than man's ways, God's thoughts are higher than man's thoughts. All this takes time, effort, trial and error, and instructors and the Scriptures in which and from which our new lives are described.

17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Cor. 5:17.

The Scripture was written TO and FOR believers ONLY. Read it in that context. It is the Mind of Christ. Although the Scriptures may speak about the unsaved and unbelievers it is written to God's people. We are to treat the unsaved with "respect." We must be careful about entering into covenants and promises with then. They must be held at arm's length and not allowed to ever be in a position in which we are indebted to them or that we owe them anything. We can exhibit Christ in our lives towards them, but we must be careful to NOT give them anything God has given us that is meant for the brethren. For that is a giving of that which is holy to dogs (unbelievers). It is not easy to do this. Yes, we are lights, but this light and lights are to be put on a candlestick so that it might give light to those in the house (of God). Our gifts are meant for our brethren's growth. We are a peculiar people. We are a holy people. And we are separated and differentiated from the world of unbelievers. Apply this to family. One day when God judges all people, and you see unsaved family being thrown into the Lake of Fire you will not be hurt or sad or regrettable. You will praise God for you will see as God sees and will glorify God for keeping His Promise to eradicate all sin and sinners from His Presence. His will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In dealing with the unsaved be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. Be careful.

10 My son, if sinners entice thee,
Consent thou not.
11 If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood,
Let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:
12 Let us swallow them up alive as the grave;
And whole, as those that go down into the pit:
13 We shall find all precious substance,
We shall fill our houses with spoil:
14 Cast in thy lot among us;
Let us all have one purse:
15 My son, xwalk not thou in the way with them;
Refrain thy foot from their path:
16 For their feet run to evil,
And make haste to shed blood.
Proverbs 1:10–16.

Be careful. Their sin may not be overt but use wisdom when you must interact with them. They love the shadows. They love the darkness. They love sin. They love everything that is NOT God. And so, you must make distinction. There are no grey areas with God. There is only black and white, holy and unholy, and your life as a holy people MUST by natural course speak against their sinful lives. It doesn't matter what they think about you. Let them call you a "holy-roller." What matters is what God thinks about you. So, study the Scriptures and come to the knowledge of the truth. Study and strive to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. 2 Tim. 2:15–16.

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Tim. 3:16–17.

The Word of God is first and foremost for doctrine.
It is secondly for reproof.
It is for correction.
It is for instruction in [God's] righteousness so that you may be perfect and complete, throughly furnished unto all good works.

May your discipleship under the anointing be blessed.

 

[civic]

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Jn 3:16.

"loved" Greek Word: ἀγαπάω
Transliteration: agapaō
Part of Speech: verb

English Words used in KJV:
love 135
beloved 7
[Total Count: 142]

perhaps from agan (much) [or compare <H5689> (`agab)]; to love (in a social or moral sense).
[from James Strong].

So, Godly love which is Holy love is a verb, a word that describes "action."

This love has NOTHING to do with emotions, especially human emotions.

God's Love for His people called out of the world (John 17:6) is a Holy love. And as Christians we are commanded to not give that which is holy to dogs (unsaved, non-Covenant people.)
God's love given is to those He saves, and we are commanded to give this holy love to fellow believers in Covenant with God for the believer's edification.
There is no edification at all when holy love is given to reprobates who do not know Christ and are "none of His" (Rom. 8:9.)

Sadly, there are Christians that disobey God's command and waste Godly love when they give it to an ungodly people. This in effect is to support their ungodly living and by loving God's enemies is treason to the King of kings.
I KNOW what I as a Christian I 'got coming to me' from fellow believers and when Christians give holy love God commanded be given to brethren this is a betrayal to the fellowship of believers. It is spiritual adultery. It is spiritual fornication. And it is offensive.

And there are Christian’s who disobey Jesus teaching on love.

Loving those who love you is not Gods love that is human love. Jesus said in Luke 6:32-33 “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And indeed, if you do good to those doing good to you, what credit is it to you? For even sinners do the same. Luke 6:35- But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.

 

[David1701]

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Jn 3:16.

"loved" Greek Word: ἀγαπάω
Transliteration: agapaō
Part of Speech: verb

English Words used in KJV:
love 135
beloved 7
[Total Count: 142]

perhaps from agan (much) [or compare <H5689> (`agab)]; to love (in a social or moral sense).
[from James Strong].

So, Godly love which is Holy love is a verb, a word that describes "action."

This love has NOTHING to do with emotions, especially human emotions.

God's Love for His people called out of the world (John 17:6) is a Holy love. And as Christians we are commanded to not give that which is holy to dogs (unsaved, non-Covenant people.)
God's love given is to those He saves, and we are commanded to give this holy love to fellow believers in Covenant with God for the believer's edification.
There is no edification at all when holy love is given to reprobates who do not know Christ and are "none of His" (Rom. 8:9.)

Sadly, there are Christians that disobey God's command and waste Godly love when they give it to an ungodly people. This in effect is to support their ungodly living and by loving God's enemies is treason to the King of kings.
I KNOW what I as a Christian I 'got coming to me' from fellow believers and when Christians give holy love God commanded be given to brethren this is a betrayal to the fellowship of believers. It is spiritual adultery. It is spiritual fornication. And it is offensive.

How does the following passage fit into your beliefs?

Matt. 5:43-48 (KJV)
43 ¶ Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

 

[jeremiah1five]

And there are Christian’s who disobey Jesus teaching on love.

Loving those who love you is not Gods love that is human love. Jesus said in Luke 6:32-33 “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And indeed, if you do good to those doing good to you, what credit is it to you? For even sinners do the same. Luke 6:35- But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.

Jesus in Luke is speaking to Covenant Israel That's who usually crowded Him to hear His message. The twelve tribes existed as Northern Kingdom and Southern Kingdom although there was no real kingdom. And Herod was not a real king. Jesus is teaching the tribes about loving those only of the same tribe. Their enemies were members of the opposing tribes. Ten to the north, and two to the south. Jesus was prophesied TO Israel and Jesus came to Israel. That is the context of all His teaching in general.

I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. Dt 18:18. [the "them" are the twelve tribes of Israel.]

31 And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. Jn 1:31.

 

[jeremiah1five]

How does the following passage fit into your beliefs?

Matt. 5:43-48 (KJV)
43 ¶ Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Jesus is speaking to the twelve tribes who still lived in animosity among themselves.
Their neighbor was a member of another tribe.
Their enemies were members of opposing tribes: northern tribes and southern tribes.
Love them that despitefully use you, that hate you, so that you may be the children of your father: Covenant Israel.
Neither tribe had the corner market on God's favor. Evil brethren or neighbors, good brethren or neighbors, God sends rain on all the tribes.
If you love members of the same tribe what reward have you? Publicans do the same.
Jesus is instructing Israel to love ALL of Israel, northern tribes and southern tribes together.
This "perfection" is being obedient to the original command of God in Leviticus 19:17-18 to love those in Covenant ONLY.
And Christ did not change this and any other Law.

These following passages fit the Word of God to His people.

 

[civic]

Jesus in Luke is speaking to Covenant Israel That's who usually crowded Him to hear His message. The twelve tribes existed as Northern Kingdom and Southern Kingdom although there was no real kingdom. And Herod was not a real king. Jesus is teaching the tribes about loving those only of the same tribe. Their enemies were members of the opposing tribes. Ten to the north, and two to the south. Jesus was prophesied TO Israel and Jesus came to Israel. That is the context of all His teaching in general.

I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. Dt 18:18. [the "them" are the twelve tribes of Israel.]

31 And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. Jn 1:31.

So with that reasoning nothing in the gospels is for us.

 

[jeremiah1five]

So with that reasoning nothing in the gospels is for us.

With the entry of the centurion into the Covenant witnessed by Peter Gentiles began to be saved, and with the destruction of the Temple in 70AD the Times of the Gentiles was begun.
But there is a day when this will end and God turns His attention to the apple of His eye, His Chosen people Israel.

 

[David1701]

Jesus is speaking to the twelve tribes who still lived in animosity among themselves.
Their neighbor was a member of another tribe.
Their enemies were members of opposing tribes: northern tribes and southern tribes.
Love them that despitefully use you, that hate you, so that you may be the children of your father: Covenant Israel.
Neither tribe had the corner market on God's favor. Evil brethren or neighbors, good brethren or neighbors, God sends rain on all the tribes.
If you love members of the same tribe what reward have you? Publicans do the same.
Jesus is instructing Israel to love ALL of Israel, northern tribes and southern tribes together.
This "perfection" is being obedient to the original command of God in Leviticus 19:17-18 to love those in Covenant ONLY.
And Christ did not change this and any other Law.

These following passages fit the Word of God to His people.

Talk about eisegesis...

Jesus was talking to believers. Those who hate believers are "the world" (i.e. unbelievers - "marvel not if the world hate you").

 

[jeremiah1five]

So with that reasoning nothing in the gospels is for us.

Salvation is of the Jews.
They lead Gentiles follow, learn, and do.

 

[jeremiah1five]

Talk about eisegesis...

Jesus was talking to believers. Those who hate believers are "the world" (i.e. unbelievers - "marvel not if the world hate you").

Messiah was Promised to Israel
Messiah came to Israel
He is a "Jewish" Messiah.
Sadly, Christians hellenize the Gospel and the Word of God not considering the roots of the redemptive plan of God.
The roots are Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
And twelve natural tribes.
Christianity is Completed Judaism.

 

[civic]

Messiah was Promised to Israel
Messiah came to Israel
He is a "Jewish" Messiah.
Sadly, Christians hellenize the Gospel and the Word of God not considering the roots of the redemptive plan of God.
The roots are Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
And twelve natural tribes.
Christianity is Completed Judaism.

And they are completely hardened by God- Hebrews 11:15

UNTIL THE FULL NUMBER OF GENTILES HAS COME TO PASS.

Guess what ? We Gentiles are important to God and Jesus handpicked Paul as the Apostle to the Gentiles and he wrote nearly 1/2 of our New Testament and gave us most of the doctrines of the church.

hope this helps !!!

 

[jeremiah1five]

And they are completely hardened by God- Hebrews 11:15

UNTIL THE FULL NUMBER OF GENTILES HAS COME TO PASS.

Guess what ? We Gentiles are important to God and Jesus handpicked Paul as the Apostle to the Gentiles and he wrote nearly 1/2 of our New Testament and gave us most of the doctrines of the church.

hope this helps !!!

11 I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy. Rom. 11:11.

Gentiles are important.
They are merely an interruption in order to bring God's Chosen people back to Himself.
For the Times of the Gentiles will come to an end and God will turn His attention fully upon His people Israel and they will fulfill their calling upon the world. The Church will go through the Times of Jacobs Trouble with Israel.
And He will make two into one.

25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. 26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: 27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. 28 As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes. 29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. 30 For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief: 31 Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy. 32 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all. Rom. 11:25–32.