To love completely without filters

Some of us withhold our affection and being transparent with others because of past hurts.

We think that we won't be accepted for who we are if we open ourselves.

What's meant by "filters?"

These are the ways and means by which we hide our real selves --

We pretend to be interested when we're not; we fake smiles; we don't speak truth because we're afraid; we don't confess weaknesses.

We CAN love without these.

Here are some Bible examples of loving fully without filters --

If we have something to help another, let's give it.

How I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was beneficial, and teaching you publicly and from house to house. Acts 20:20

Just to come to someone can mean a lot.

But God, Who comforts the discouraged, comforted us [Paul and Timothy] by the arrival of Titus. 2 Corinthians 7:6

We can refresh others. Let's think of ways to do it.

Because of this, we have been comforted. And besides our comfort, we rejoiced even much more for the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all. 2 Corinthians 7:13

The things that the Lord Jesus Christ is concerned about include your well-being. We can follow Him when we have this care for others.

I [Paul] have no one else like him [Timothy], who will show genuine concern for your welfare. For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. Philippians 2:20-21

How much is too much to love others?

Paul wrote to a church, So I will gladly give all I have and all I am. Will you love me less for loving you too much? 2 Corinthians 12:15

Does the New Testament really expect us to love completely without holding back?

We know what love is because Jesus gave His life for us. This is why we must give our lives for each other. 1 John 3:16

My [Jesus] command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:12-13

Before His passionate sacrifice for the sins and brokenness of humanity, Isaiah 53:4-5; Acts 1:3; Hebrews 9:26; 10:10, 12; Revelation 1:5 how did Jesus love others on a daily basis?

As the Father has loved Me, so have I [Jesus] loved you [His disciples]. Now remain in My love. John 15:9

Looking at him, Jesus showed love to him and said to him, "One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." Mark 10:21

We might have thought that when Jesus showed His love to that person, He wouldn't also make a demand on his life to follow the Savior.

When Jesus loved, it wasn't always with sweet words.

(Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister, and Lazarus.) John 11:5

Read what the Lord said to Martha --

"Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; but only one thing is necessary; for Mary has chosen the good part [verse 39], which shall not be taken away from her." Luke 10:41-42

John wrote, It was almost time for the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that it was time for Him to leave this world and go back to the Father. He had always loved those who were His own in the world, and He loved them all the way to the end. John 13:1

That love from Jesus included Peter, didn't it?

But Jesus told Peter, "Go away from Me, Satan! You are not helping Me! You don’t care about the things of God, but only about the things people think are important." Matthew 16:23

After His resurrection from the dead, Jesus appeared to Simon Peter Luke 24:34 and later told him, "Feed My sheep." John 21:15-17

Christ's followers at Jerusalem shared their possessions. Is this kind of love too radical for today?

All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Acts 2:44-45

Loving with our whole hearts without filters should be with God the Father's favor, seasoned with salt. Colossians 4:6

It could be called "tough love."

Paul withstood Peter to his face in public because he was to be blamed for his hypocrisy. Galatians 2:11-14

Our words of love and truth to friends can wound faithfully Proverbs 27:6 and sharpen their spirituality. Proverbs 27:17

If we speak and live the truth in the Lord's love, we can grow up spiritually into Him. Ephesians 4:15-16

Let's do the word. James 1:22

Then, before we speak, let's first listen to others. James 1:19-20

Your thoughts?

R. Jason