Charity and Its Fruits
A Lesson from Jonathan Edwards
The Fruits of Love
The spirit of love is a humble spirit that (1 Corinthians 13:4-5):
Such humble love will lead us to love others, giving them the honor and respect they deserve, and hate our sin.
Though God’s attributes don’t include humbleness, Christ on earth demonstrated humble love. He became human (the worm of the dust), lived humbly as a servant, and remained obedient unto death on the cross. His behavior should kindle our love for Him, lead us to follow His example, and make us despise all earthly glory (Philippians 2:6-8; Matthew 10:24-25, 20:25-28; John 13:13-16).
We should carefully examine ourselves. Our original natural is arrogant, which God detests and punishes (Habakkuk 2:4; James 4:6; 1 Timothy 3:6; Proverbs 16:5, 6:16, 29:23; 2 Samuel 22:28; Isaiah 23:9).
Earnestly strive to have a humble, gentle, and loving spirit. This is the spirit of Christ on earth. Such a spirit of love will lead to receiving His rich promises and, ultimately, the crown of glory in heaven (1 Peter 3:4).
Summary of a sermon by Jonathan Edwards, titled, “Charity and Its Fruits”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kenDI_9Tb88
The spirit of love is a humble spirit that (1 Corinthians 13:4-5):
- Sees God’s infinite power, holiness, and loveliness (Psalm 113:6; Isaiah 6:5, 57:15; Job 42:5-6; Psalm 51:17; Matthew 5:3; Job 4:18-19, 15:15-16; Genesis 32:10; 2 Samuel 7:18).
- Sees our natural meanness and filth, and how unworthy and distrustful we are (Romans 12:3).
- Gives all glory to God and willingly accepts His command and sovereignty (Psalm 115:1).
- Is content with our status no matter how desperate, without envying those better off, without greed for honor, and without pursuing selfish ambition (1 Corinthians 13:4-5, Jeremiah 45:5, Romans 12:16).
- Accepts that society has levels and is willingly to give those above us what they deserve (Romans 14:7, Titus 3:1).
- Confesses faults and appreciates reproval from those who have love or are good (James 5:16; and Psalm 141:5).
- Doesn’t show off or puff up to those below us and doesn’t assume others will respect us (1 Corinthians 13:4-5, Matthew 23:5, Philippians 2:3, Ephesians 3:8).
- Doesn’t look down on others (Romans 12:16).
- Isn’t stubborn regarding our private interest, but willing to yield (2 Peter 2:10, 1 Corinthians 4:7, Matthew 5:40-41).
Such humble love will lead us to love others, giving them the honor and respect they deserve, and hate our sin.
Though God’s attributes don’t include humbleness, Christ on earth demonstrated humble love. He became human (the worm of the dust), lived humbly as a servant, and remained obedient unto death on the cross. His behavior should kindle our love for Him, lead us to follow His example, and make us despise all earthly glory (Philippians 2:6-8; Matthew 10:24-25, 20:25-28; John 13:13-16).
We should carefully examine ourselves. Our original natural is arrogant, which God detests and punishes (Habakkuk 2:4; James 4:6; 1 Timothy 3:6; Proverbs 16:5, 6:16, 29:23; 2 Samuel 22:28; Isaiah 23:9).
Earnestly strive to have a humble, gentle, and loving spirit. This is the spirit of Christ on earth. Such a spirit of love will lead to receiving His rich promises and, ultimately, the crown of glory in heaven (1 Peter 3:4).
Summary of a sermon by Jonathan Edwards, titled, “Charity and Its Fruits”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kenDI_9Tb88