What did Jesus teach about love?
Jesus’ teaching is very clear that we are to love one another, even those who we consider our enemies.
'You have heard people say, “Love your neighbors and hate your enemies.” But I tell you to love your enemies and pray for anyone who mistreats you.Then you will be acting like your Father in heaven. He makes the sun rise on both good and bad people. And he sends rain for the ones who do right and for the ones who do wrong.If you love only those people who love you, will God reward you for that? Even tax collectorslove their friends.’ (Matthew 5:43-46)
Jesus taught that the two greatest commandments were to: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.” Love for all people was at the very centre of Jesus’ message. He told The Parable of the Good Samaritan to illustrate this:
“A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side.
So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he travelled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine.
Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have." (Luke 10:30-35)
The Samaritans and Jews were sworn enemies and so for the Samaritan to show such love was even more amazing. Jesus wanted everyone to be like the Samaritan, to love and help everyone, even their enemies.
This kind of love is known as agape love. It is the kind of love that God has for all humans: the highest form of love, sacrificial and unconditional.
Because of Bible teachings such as these, some Christians believe in pacifism, ie that all wars and acts of violence are wrong, and disagreements should be resolved via peaceful means.
Reflect
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.Love never fails." - St Paul (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)
This famous passage from the Bible is often used at weddings. Why do you think that is? What does it teach Christians about how to treat people?
FAQs
Christian pilgrimage – an ancient practice enjoying a revival. Since the fourth century, Christians have made special journeys to significant places, large and small. These have included Jerusalem, Rome, Canterbury, Iona, and Holy Island (Lindisfarne). Pilgrimages were central to the growth of many cathedrals.
What do Christians learn from the Creation Story planning? ›
Most Christians believe God the creator cares for the creation, including human beings. Most Christians believe that because humans beings are part of God's good creation, it is important that they listen to God.
How do Christians show they care? ›
Christians believe they have a duty to show care to others, both inside and outside of the church. They choose to look after each other in many different ways. This includes listening and reading teachings from the Bible, to running community events and celebrating religious festivals throughout the year.
How do Christians show their faith? ›
Christians believe in one God. They follow the teachings of the bible , which means that many of them feel they have a duty to show care to others. They can choose to do this in different ways, such as reading or listening to teachings from the Bible, running community or charity events and helping others in need.
What are the three great pilgrimages? ›
The three main destinations of Christian pilgrimage are Jerusalem, Rome, and Santiago de Compostela, and for most pilgrims throughout history reaching these sites was a prolonged and possibly dangerous endeavour.
What does the Bible say about pilgrimages? ›
The pilgrimage's Psalms (Psalms 118-134) insists on hope, emotion and joy that animate the pilgrims in this way: “I rejoiced with those who said to me: «Let us go to the house of the Lord!» Our feet are standing in your gates, Jerusalem!” (Ps 122:1-2).
Do Christians take the creation story literally? ›
Science may be able to explain how the universe was created, but many Christians believe that religion explains the reason it was created. Literalist Christians may believe that God created the world exactly as it states in the Bible, ie God taking six days to create everything and resting on the seventh day.
What is the key message of the creation story? ›
What is important for these Christians, is the message of the Genesis account of creation, which is that God created the world, and gave humans a special role, status and purpose in it.
What is the main point of the creation story? ›
The creation story from the biblical Book of Genesis describes how God created heaven and earth, plants, animals, and people; and later how the first people were cast out of the Garden of Eden as punishment for eating from the 'tree of knowledge of good and evil. ' In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
How do Christians see good? ›
The Christian tradition's understanding of a good life involves us being in loving relationships with God and with others. Because we are created in the image of a Trinitarian God, our lives go well for us inasmuch as our relationships mirror the self-giving relationships among the members of the Trinity.
The method of empathy is to discern sufferings or needs and to act quickly, personally, and deliberately to alleviate or meet them: “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep” (Rom. 12:15; see also Luke 10:33-34; Luke 15:20; 1 Cor. 12:26; Heb. 10:34).
How do Christians show love? ›
6 Ways To Show God's Love on Purpose
- "I don't care if someone rejects me because I serve Jesus, but I refuse to let someone reject Jesus because of me."
- Be kind.
- Be hospitable.
- Be a listener.
- Be honest.
- Be in prayer.
- Be intentional.
There are lots of ways in which they are guided; for example, how Jesus lived his life, what the Bible says in the Ten Commandments or the 'greatest commandment' in the New Testament (Matthew 22:37–39).
What do Christians do to live out their beliefs? ›
Sunday mass and regular prayer serve as your own private door to connect with God. Taking an active role in mass as a Eucharistic Minister or Usher or participating in volunteer opportunities with your Church community can be excellent opportunities to live out your faith and help you feel close to Him.
How do you prove your faith in God? ›
How to Show Faith in Christ
- Are you saying your prayers every morning and every night?
- Are you reading every day from the holy scriptures?
- Are you using appropriate language?
- Are you being honest?
- Are you living the Word of Wisdom?
Jerusalem. Jerusalem is an important place of pilgrimage for Christians, just as it is for Jews and Muslims.
Where do they go for the pilgrimage? ›
Jerusalem and the Holy Land, the Vatican in Rome and Santiago de Compostela are the main three destinations for Christian pilgrims; however there are many other pilgrimage sites, such as the Marian shrines of Lourdes and Fatima, or Loreto in Italy.
What is the holy city to which Christians make pilgrimage? ›
Jerusalem is an important place of pilgrimage. for Christians, just as it is for Jews and Muslims. Christianity teaches that Jesus visited Jerusalem at Passover. time and spent the week leading up to his death there.
What is the holiest place for Christians? ›
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre site has been recognized since early in the fourth century as the place where Jesus was crucified, buried, and rose from the dead.
Jesus taught that the two greatest commandments were to: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.” Love for all people was at the very centre of Jesus’ message. He told The Parable of the Good Samaritan to illustrate this: