love – Three Minute Bible

January 24, 2026January 26, 2026

1 Timothy 1:5d – The Headwaters of Love

Picture of three separate water streams forming one stream (Grok)

[The goal of this command is love, which comes from]… a sincere faith.

Summary: Wrapping up our discussion of Paul’s three reasons for his “command,” we come to the question of faith. What is it and why is it important?

Writing to Timothy about the need to “command” misguided believers in Jesus not to do certain things,* he says the goal is love (agapē). He then explains that there are three sources, three artesian springs if you will, where the headwaters of love spring from. The three sources are:

January 22, 2026January 23, 2026

1 Timothy 1:5b – Love’s Pure Heart

The picture shows a glass heart with the word "Love" suspended in the glass (Grok)

[The goal of this command is love]… which comes from a pure heart …

Summary: Understanding how love comes from a pure heart requires that we understand what the Bible means by the word “love.”

In 1984, Tina Turner had a hit song called “What’s Love Got to Do with It?”* The chorus went like this:

January 21, 2026January 22, 2026

1 Timothy 1:5a – Commanded to Love

Picture of old signpost with multiple signs pointing different ways to God. (Grok)

The goal of this command is love, (which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.)

Summary: When Paul tells us that the goal of the command he has given to Timothy is love, he forces us to think deeply about what love is and who we are supposed to love.

Before we dive into a closer look at what Paul says in this verse, let’s step back for a moment to gain some perspective.

January 6, 2026January 8, 2026

1 Timothy 1:1b – Apostle

…an apostle of Christ Jesus …

Summary: As we begin our study of Paul’s letter to Timothy, we are immediately confronted by a word that people argue over, even today. Clarifying what we mean by the word we choose helps resolve conflict and restore unity.

It is always helpful, when embarking on a discussion of any serious nature, to define terms.

January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

Philippians 4:21b-22 – You Are Not Alone

Picture: A fireworks display spells out "JESUS LOVES YOU!" (Grok)

The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.

Summary: When Paul sends greetings, it is like setting off fireworks! He doesn’t just send one, but instead sends a dazzling bouquet of them.

In the closing verses of Philippians, Paul extends greetings to his readers. “Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus,” he begins (Phil. 4:21a). It is a simple command that echoes the familial bond that binds believers everywhere.

December 23, 2025December 23, 2025

Luke 1:37 – Merry Christmas, Part 1

Picture of Jesus teaching (AI / Pixabay)

For no word from God will ever fail.

Summary: In this meditation, we look back on why Jesus had to become a man and what it means for us.

The Gospel accounts of Matthew, Mark, and John are all written from the perspective of a first or second-hand account of Jesus’ life on earth by people who knew him. Luke’s Gospel is different.

October 11, 2025October 12, 2025

Philippians 3:6b – Faultless

… as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.

Summary: Understanding the difference between the law and love is not as simple as it sounds.

How can anyone say that they are “faultless?”

Really?

Faultless?!

August 11, 2025August 11, 2025

Philippians 2:14 – Without Arguing (Part I)

Do everything without grumbling or arguing…

Summary: We begin our examination of this passage by focusing on the concept of arguing.

I try not to grumble. I really do! I especially try not to grumble in church or about church. After all, if churches were only for perfect people, I’d never be allowed in!

July 18, 2025July 19, 2025

Philippians 2:3b – Perspective

A picture of a small town and little people as seen from the air (Grok)

Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,

Summary: In this passage, Paul challenges us to see things as God sees them.

There is a theme that runs through the Bible that goes something like this:

July 15, 2025July 15, 2025

Philippians 2:2d – Spiritual Harmony

[Therefore, if you ….make my joy complete by being like-minded]… being one in spirit…

Summary: This passage challenges us to explore the meaning of the word Paul used for “one in spirit.”

Nestled between the “same love” and being “of one mind,” Paul inserted today’s passage: “… being one in spirit.”

Have you ever wondered why the text reads “spirit,” and not “Spirit?”