Love (Human Love and the Love of Christ)
1. Human Love (Carnal Desire and Human Affection)
From birth and throughout the process of growing up, human beings begin to feel, learn, and understand love through the maternal affection of their mothers. As such, all humans, from childhood, come to feel and learn about love between siblings, between teachers and students, among relatives, between neighbors, and between lovers—through the physical lineage and carnal desires of the flesh.
Therefore, the lives and experiences of all people are expressed and shaped by these relationships of human love and affection, and such emotional connections are regarded as the highest ideals and happiness in life. However, this is merely a wishful ideal like a fairy tale—because, in reality, life does not unfold in accordance with human desires or expectations. This is because behind the seemingly beautiful facade of human love lies selfish insistence and expectation. Moreover, beneath the conditions of love always lurks a heart that cannot be satisfied, which inevitably fluctuates depending on the circumstances. Because it can never be fulfilled, human love is plagued with jealousy, hatred, lies, lust, conflict, and betrayal. It is inherently unstable and inevitably subject to change—this is the limitation of human love.
However, because the affairs of humanity and the world have excessively glamorized, romanticized, and decorated the value of love that stems from carnal desire and physical lineage, the true standard and value of human love have become distorted. As a result, human love is now used without any clear discernment of its limits and nature.
Like a product that is deceptively well-packaged on the outside, love is seen as the most beautiful and precious value only when it serves the standard of bringing joy and pleasure to oneself. But this is the limit of human love. It is not a love unique to humans alone. It is a form of love also found in most animals and even insects that possess physical bodies. While they may lack the intelligence and ability to communicate through writing and speech like humans do, they fundamentally possess the same kind of love as humans.
Animals also love their offspring, cooperate and care for their own kind, and have affection in mating relationships. This type of love ultimately stems from the flesh—through bloodline and carnal desire. Therefore, the Bible refers to such love as affection and lust born of the flesh and bloodline, and it is quite distinct from the love described in the Scriptures.
This is because love that arises according to human standards—changing with conditions and environments—is no different from the fickle love of animals. Thus, love that comes from human bloodline and flesh may be called love among humans, but in reality, it is a love that fluctuates and transforms according to personal taste and desire. It is not the love recorded in the Word of God. Yet, unlike animals, humans have a vast and generous heart given by God—something animals do not possess. This is the spirit, which is the divine nature of God.
2. The divine nature (conscience and spirit)
What is the fundamental reason human beings are superior to animals? It is because they possess the spirit, which is the divine nature of God. This spirit was given by God so that humans, as children of God, might attain the authority and glory of becoming children who fully embody His divine nature. This spirit refers to the divine attributes that God Himself must possess and that are fitting for one to become a child of God.
It is by no means the same as carnal affection, which fluctuates according to circumstances, like human love does. Rather, it refers to a love that is greater and broader than carnal affection—an unshakable love. This includes a loving heart, a merciful heart, a joyful heart, a gentle heart, a patient heart, a heart of self-control, a kind heart, a peaceful heart, and a heart of obedience.
This refers to the conscience within us. Because we have this conscience, even without being taught, when we do something bad that offends our conscience, we feel its sting and are unsettled without realizing why. Therefore, to act without offending the conscience means not to suppress or destroy the conscience (the spirit) that God has given us in order to make us His children. This conscience is the heart that the Holy Spirit helps, so that we may become more complete.
Because humans possess a spirit that animals do not, they can realize their wrongs and repent of them. Animals, even of the same species, will fight and kill one another over territory or group rivalry. This is the limit of love born from bloodline and carnal desire. However, because humans have the spirit—the divine nature—they can transcend bloodlines and love, care for, and serve people of other nations as brothers and sisters. It is because of this God-given conscience, the divine nature, that humans can love all people. This conscience (spirit) was established by the Spirit of God.
Yet humans, though God gave them this noble conscience (spirit) to make them His children, are living foolish lives by gradually killing their good conscience through worldly desires and cravings, resulting in jealousy, envy, hatred, lies, lust, and conflict. Even though they constantly feel regret, they cannot help but return to sin, driven by worldly desires, satisfaction, and cravings. Such corrupt habits ultimately lead to a hardened conscience that cannot even feel guilt anymore. These are the detestable forms of faith that forsake the privilege of being God’s children.
Because their consciences have already been devastated, they increasingly deny the love of the cross that feeds, gives, and cares. Instead, sin and greed take control, and they become bold in their sins. The faith and religion that seek worldly desires, satisfaction, and cravings have led to a distorted, false, and lawless attempt to serve both God and material things. As a result, churches now abound that offer only fabricated “Holy Spirits,” groundless claims of being born again, fruitless faith, and gifts that bear no evidence—merely to cover up their sins and greed with excuses and self-justifying arguments.
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;(1 Timothy 4 : 1~2)
Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:(1 Timothy 1 : 19)
Though they constantly regret their actions and repeatedly reflect and make countless resolutions—hundreds or even thousands of times—they still inevitably return to sin, following a life bound to this world. These are people without conscience, who claim to have repented and been born again, yet remain trapped in sinful habits. They pursue worldly desires and greedy ideals without the sacrificial love of the cross—a love that feeds, gives, and cares—thus, they can only continue piling up more sin. These are the very ones who claim to have received the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Christ, which is the divine nature of God.
They avoid the beautiful love and sacrifice of the cross—its suffering and its burden—given so that we might be formed into the divine nature that resembles God. Instead, they only desire the fruit and salvation that come from the love of the cross. Such people are no different from shameless farmers who expect a harvest without ever sowing seed. How can sprouts grow and fruit be borne in a field where not even seed has been planted?
Turning their backs on the sacrifice and suffering of the cross—which are the signs of salvation and resurrection—they press on with claims built on stubbornness and far-fetched insistence, feeling no pang of conscience. But how can such claims ever lead to their salvation?
If mere words and theories without practice could bring salvation, then countless prophets would not have needed to shed their blood, and the Lord Himself would not have come to this earth to show us the love and sacrifice of the cross as our example. Therefore, those who speak of salvation through words and arguments alone dishonor the love and sacrifice of Christ’s cross and disregard the holy will of the One who sent Him. They are deluded spirits who have reached the height of arrogance.
They are inclosed in their own fat: with their mouth they speak proudly.(Psalms 17 : 9~10)
A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.(Proverbs 18 : 2)
For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.(2 Corinthians 10 : 12)
O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.(1 Timothy 6 : 20~21)
But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.(Isaiah 28 : 13)
As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.(2 Peter 3 : 15~17)
I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.(Galatians 1 : 6~7)
They are those whose consciences have already been seared, enslaved by their own greed—whose consciences are bound by excuses and justifications ruled by sin. Because their consciences have become desolate, they have already lost the proper standard and true center.(1 Timothy 4 : 1~2)(1 Timothy 1 : 19)(1 Timothy 1 : 5)(1 Timothy 3 : 9~10)
And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.(Acts 24 : 15~16)
I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.(Romans 9 : 1~2)
The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:(1 Peter 3 : 21)
For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.(2 Corinthians 1 : 12)
Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.(Hebrews 13 : 18)
And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.(Hebrews 10 : 21~22)
Because God commanded us to practice the love and sacrifice of the cross—feeding, giving, and caring for others—as the path worthy of salvation, the tithes and offerings were established to fulfill this purpose. Yet today, churches and pastors that steal these tithes and offerings have distorted and fabricated false interpretations, turning the meaning of the Holy Spirit, rebirth, and salvation into lies and forceful claims. As a result, salvation is no longer about becoming children of God who grow into a beautiful heart that resembles Him through the love of the cross that feeds, gives, and cares for many neighbors. Instead, it has become a false faith that merely piles on more sin—where people repeat the same evil habits, sin again and again despite regret, and justify their wrongdoing with excuses and empty words. Consequently, their consciences become desolate, and their spiritual hunger, weariness, and emptiness only deepen, leaving them worse off than when they first believed. Most so-called believers today are nothing more than hollow shells—clinging to positions and appearances, armed with superficial acts of service and charity that amount to nothing more than hypocrisy and self-display.
These are believers who, without even offering a proper meal to their congregation, their sheep, their neighbors, or their brothers, still clothe their faith in loud prayers for the nation and the people. They teach and act as if their shallow, worldly acts of charity—acts anyone can do, including those who serve idols and work for secular companies—are somehow the sacrificial love of the cross. Thus, churches, pastors, and believers end up bringing disgrace upon the love of the cross through such shallow and worldly values.
They feel satisfied after giving worn-out clothes and unused goods to the poor and needy, and they boast in a few short hours or days of volunteer work—acts that are no more than moral deeds even unbelievers do—claiming they’ve fulfilled the love of the cross. Churches that teach and model this kind of charity are, without exception, like worldly corporations that advertise and promote themselves under the guise of virtue, using philanthropy as a means of self-glorification. These shallow churches emphasize love and charity only as tools for public display. In doing so, they trample on the holy will of God—who sent the love of the cross that feeds, gives, and cares—and they dishonor the sacrifice and blood of Christ. Their charity and service are cunning and deceptive, designed not to glorify God but to satisfy their own greed and desire for comfort. Thus, the world is overrun with brick-and-mortar churches that exist under the name of God’s temple and the gospel but only serve to satisfy their leaders’ selfish ambitions and gluttony.
In this world, more and more churches rise up, competing with each other for greater wealth and influence—symbols of earthly power. These churches, which lead and teach others, are officially recognized and approved by society, even while they disgrace God’s holy will and trample upon the blood and sacrifice of Christ. These people use God’s will as a stepping stone for their own greed, and Christ’s love and sacrifice as a foundation for sin. In truth, they harbor only selfish ambition disguised as faith in God, using the congregation to serve their own ends and burdening the backs of believers even more. They regard themselves as figures of respect and dominance, not as examples who serve the flock. Thus, the saying has come to pass: there are many pastors but no true shepherds, many churchgoers but no true Christians, many churches but no church of Christ.
3. God’s Love and the Love of the Cross
(A Love That Gives Everything, Even One’s Life)
Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.(1 John 4 : 7~11)(1 John 4 : 16~17)
God sent the love of the cross to this earth because He is love. This love of God possesses eternal glory, eternal authority, and power. Therefore, in order to make us into human beings who possess eternal glory and authority like God, He gave us the divine nature, and through Christ, He showed the whole world that only by following that divine nature and attaining the love of the cross can we reach salvation and resurrection. Thus, the love of the cross is the eternal God, the eternal glory, the eternal authority, and the eternal power.
The love of the cross is not human affection or carnal desire that arises from the flesh. Human affection is always born of bloodline and carnal instincts—it is an instinctive love felt through the flesh, even without being taught. However, human love is limited, for it inevitably leads to jealousy, envy, hatred, pride, lies, lust, and conflict, depending on one’s circumstances. Such is the inherent limit of human love.
However, the love of the cross is a love that is founded on sacrifice—on denying and giving up one’s entire self. Therefore, it contains no jealousy, envy, hatred, pride, lies, lust, or conflict, which are born from greed and selfish desires. It is a love that possesses only a heart of love, a heart of mercy, a heart of patience, a heart of self-control, a heart of gentleness, a heart of peace, a heart of goodness, a heart of obedience, and a heart of joy.(Galatians 5 : 22~26)
Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.(1 Corinthians 13 : 2~9)
Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.(1 John 3 : 16)
For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.(Romans 14 : 7)(Mark 8 : 35)(Matthew 16 : 25)(Luke 10 : 27)
So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.(1 Thessalonians 2 : 5~8)
If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.(Luke 14 : 26~27)
This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.(John 15 : 12~14)
Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.(Philippians 2 : 30)(Romans 16 : 4)
The love of the cross that feeds, gives, and cares is not a love that can be easily attained or fulfilled—even with a willingness to die and tireless effort. Just as no one can enter a top university simply by carrying a backpack and attending school without blood-sweating effort and hardship, in the same way, merely attending church, praying, or reading the Bible does not mean one has received salvation or the Holy Spirit. Yet, due to the shameless teachings of those without conscience—who pretend that such surface-level practices equate to salvation—and the countless believers who follow these teachings, the holy name of God and the precious love of the cross are being defiled, distorted by corruption upon corruption, lies upon lies, and lawlessness upon lawlessness.
Tithes and offerings were established to help form hearts worthy of becoming children of God through the love of the cross that feeds, gives, and cares for the poor and needy sheep. But these have instead become corrupted by selfish greed, turning into traditions, rituals, and worship customs shaped by personal desire. As a result, churches have become increasingly distorted, false, and corrupt.
Therefore, the Lord declares that He will tear down the brick-and-mortar churches—built with the tithes and offerings meant to feed the sheep—so that not one stone will be left upon another.
And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said, As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.(Luke 21 : 5~6)
I will bring it forth, saith the LORD of hosts, and it shall enter into the house of the thief, and into the house of him that sweareth falsely by my name: and it shall remain in the midst of his house, and shall consume it with the timber thereof and the stones thereof.(Zechariah 5 : 4)
And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.(Matthew 21 : 13)
The tabernacles of robbers prosper, and they that provoke God are secure; into whose hand God bringeth abundantly.(Job 12 : 6)(Jeremiah 11 : 15~17)
Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.(Malachi 3 : 8)
The LORD will enter into judgment with the ancients of his people, and the princes thereof: for ye have eaten up the vineyard; the spoil of the poor is in your houses. What mean ye that ye beat my people to pieces, and grind the faces of the poor? saith the LORD GOD of hosts.(Isaiah 3 : 14~15)
Today, countless churches, pastors, and believers alike neglect the labor, effort, suffering, and sacrifice required to fulfill the holy will of God and to walk in the love of the cross that is worthy of salvation. Instead, they desire only its fruit—salvation and the Holy Spirit. Most of what is taught and learned in churches today comes from shameless individuals who seek the reward without the cost. They put forward love, charity, and service that amount to nothing more than moral duties that any decent person should do, and thus they fail to attain the divine nature that resembles God. As a result, believers are becoming slaves to men through vain faith, vain service, and vain charity.
Because their love, service, and charity are nothing more than excuses or mere imitations of the cross, they cannot produce the love of the cross that truly leads to salvation and likeness to God. Such churches, pastors, and believers build their faith on empty beliefs and empty religion. A church or pastor that does not sacrifice all and provide a true example is neither Christ’s church nor Christ’s shepherd, and they bear no sign of salvation or resurrection. They are merely dens of thieves that deceive the believers through stolen traditions and practices masked as worship, wolves in sheep’s clothing.
Do not be deceived any longer by the disgraceful teachings of these thieves, who steal the tithes and offerings meant to feed, give, and care for others. They replace God and His Word with devotion to their brick churches and altars. Instead, follow the true love of the cross—feeding, giving, and caring—through which you may cultivate a beautiful heart that resembles God. Build your faith by following such an example. The fact that we are in the last days is already testified by the very words on people’s lips.
Religion, churches, pastors, and believers are becoming increasingly corrupt, lawless, false, and distorted—clear proof that they are not the true religion, church, pastors, or believers of Christ. The true path of salvation in Christ is not the wide and easy road that worldly believers long for, pursuing their desires and expectations. It is a steep, narrow, and rugged path—difficult to find—paved only with suffering, effort, and sacrifice.
Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.(Matthew 7 : 13~27)
Follow the light of the Word that reveals the sins hidden in darkness for thousands of years and leads to the way of the cross, which is worthy of salvation—so that you may partake in the glory of suffering and persecution! Come out from the vain faith that leaves you weary and burdened in fruitless years, where your impoverished heart and afflicted conscience testify against you. Instead, pursue the love that overflows with a rich heart and the joy of thanksgiving. This is the holy will and Word of God, written with tears in prayer for the saints and fellow workers who will walk with you. Through your own testimony, you will come to know that He is the God of power who is with the tears of the afflicted, the sorrow of the mourning, the pain of the hopeless, and the heavy burdens of the anguished—He is the power of love.
Do not hesitate—anyone may reach out at any time.