Love is the cornerstone of relationships — whether with God or one another. Yet, not all love unites.
In Genesis 1 to 3, we can see two kinds of love in action: one that unites us with God and each other, and another that divides and brings devastating consequences. As a church, it is vital to discern these two kinds of love and commit ourselves to practicing the love that unites.
God’s Love: A Perfect Example
From the opening chapters of Genesis, God’s love is evident. In Genesis 1, God creates humanity in His image (Genesis 1:26-27), giving them dignity and purpose. He provides for every need, placing Adam and Eve in a garden filled with beauty and abundance (Genesis 2:8-9). God’s love is personal — He forms Adam from dust and breathes life into him (Genesis 2:7), demonstrating His tender love and setting a deeply personal tone for the relationship.
God’s love is also marked by His desire for humanity’s good. He gives Adam and Eve the freedom to enjoy everything in the garden, save one: they are to refrain from eating the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:16-17). This boundary is not restrictive but protective — a call to trust in His wisdom and love.
Even after Adam and Eve’s disobedience, God’s love remains steadfast. Though consequences follow, He does not abandon them. Instead, He clothes them with garments of skin (Genesis 3:21), an act that foreshadows His ultimate plan of redemption through Christ. His promise of the seed of the woman crushing the serpent’s head (Genesis 3:15) is the first glimpse of the Gospel — a demonstration of love that seeks to restore and unite.
Humanity’s Love: The Root of Division
In contrast to God’s selfless love, Genesis 3 reveals a distorted love in Adam and Eve’s actions. Adam and Eve’s desire to be like God (Genesis 3:5-6) led them to prioritise themselves over their relationship with Him. Their decision to eat the forbidden fruit was driven by a love for self — a desire to be like God, knowing good and evil (Genesis 3:5-6). As a result, they fractured the unity that they once enjoyed with God and with each other. Adam and Eve’s eyes were opened, and they felt shame, hiding from God (Genesis 3:7-8). Their relationship with one another suffered — Adam blamed Eve, and Eve blamed the serpent (Genesis 3:12-13). The unity they once shared was replaced by guilt, blame and brokenness.
Practicing the Love That Unites
As God’s people, we are called to reject the self-centred love that divides and to embrace the selfless love that unites. This love is modelled by God Himself and perfectly exemplified in Jesus Christ.
Love That Seeks God First
The first step toward unity is loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30). Adam and Eve’s failure in Genesis 3 was rooted in their decision to place their desires above God’s command. To practice the love that unites, we must prioritise our relationship with God, seeking His will above our own. This involves daily surrender, obedience to His Word and a commitment to live for His glory.
Love That Sacrifices for Others
True love is sacrificial, as demonstrated by God’s provision for Adam and Eve and ultimately by Christ’s sacrifice on the cross (John 15:13). In our relationships, this means putting the needs of others before our own, forgiving offences, and seeking reconciliation. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians 2:3-4 to “do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
Love That Reflects the Gospel
The love that unites is not merely a human effort but flows from the gospel. When we experience God’s love through Christ, it transforms us and enables us to love others as He has loved us (1 John 4:19). This love breaks down barriers, heals wounds, and fosters unity within the church and beyond.
A Call to Action
Let us examine our hearts and ask: Are we practicing the love that unites, or have we allowed self-centred love to creep in? Are our relationships marked by humility, forgiveness, and grace, or by pride, blame, and division?
May we heed the call of 1 Corinthians 16:14: “Let all that you do be done in love.” This is the love that unites — a love that glorifies God and brings His people together in harmony.
--Eld Sim Chow Meng
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