Licensed to Love

Timothy Dalton starred in the 1989 James Bond film “License to Kill.” I don’t know why, but the title of that movie came to mind recently. The thought “license to kill” (I know not a politically correct idea) prompted me into thinking how Jesus, and the Gospel, gives Jesus' followers the exact opposite license to James Bond’s. Jesus gave his followers “a license to love!”

Jesus commanded the disciples to love. “This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.” (John 15:12 NLT) Jesus followed his command saying, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13 NLT) Jesus commanded us to “Love your neighbor.” (Mark 12:31) And to “Love your enemies.” (Matthew 5:44)

The Apostle John wrote about the expectation of Jesus’ followers. “Let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God.” (1 John 4:7 NLT) “Since God loved us, we surely ought to love each other.” (1 John 4:11 NLT)

The Apostle Paul emphasized the “license to love” in his letter to Jesus’ followers in 1 Corinthians 13. This passage is popular at weddings; but the love between a husband and wife is not the emphasis here. Paul writes that without love; spiritual talk (explaining spiritual truths and mysteries), generosity to the poor, grand feats of faith, and even sacrificing of one’s life are pointless. Love must be the motive behind the words and actions of Jesus' followers!

If you are a follower of Jesus, you are “licensed to love.” You are commanded to love. And you are empowered by the Holy Spirit to love. “The fruit of the Spirit is love.” (Galatians 5:22 NIV)

You have a “license to love” - look for ways to put your license to use!