In his letter to the church of Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13), the Lord Jesus says that there is ‘an open door’ to the church, to remove them from the trial that is to come to the whole earth! That is some promise! Who would like to be in a church and receive that commendation!? But, what were the qualities of the church in Philadelphia in receiving this commendation? It was a church of love. A church of love for the Lord Jesus himself but more importantly for one another! Jesus says in John 15:12 – “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” This church loved each other and carried out the command of the Lord. This pleases the Lord very much and rightly so were given a promise of an ‘open door!” Even though they were of ‘little strength’, facing criticism and enduring in the face of persecution they continued to love one another! They remained ‘true’ to the word and never denied the Name of the Lord. “Oh Lord, may we be a church of love, for each other as you have commanded us. And as we ‘love’, may your presence manifest to glorify your precious name” Amen.
