When Love Becomes Sinful
“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15)
Love, in itself, is not evil. It is one of the purest attributes of God, for *“God is love” (1 John 4:8).* Yet love becomes sinful when it is directed toward the wrong object. The Bible warns, Do not love the world. The “world” here does not refer to creation or humanity but to the corrupt system built on pride, greed, and rebellion against God.
When our hearts become attached to this system—the lure of wealth, the intoxication of power, the seduction of pleasure—we slowly shift our loyalty from God to idols. What was meant to be a holy affection becomes a chain that binds us. Jesus made this truth plain when He said, *“You cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24).* Love that once should have strengthened our devotion now fuels our slavery.
Sinful love often disguises itself as harmless desire. *The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16)* appear attractive, yet they corrupt the soul. *True love, by contrast, delights in holiness and truth (1 Corinthians 13:6).* When affection begins to celebrate sin or excuse wickedness, it ceases to be love and becomes rebellion in disguise.
The tragedy of misplaced love is that it chains us to what is temporary. *The world and its passions are passing away, but the one who does the will of God abides forever (1 John 2:17)*. Sinful love invests in shadows; godly love invests in eternity.
The measure of our spiritual health is not only what we believe but also what we love. If our affections are set on Christ, they will purify and elevate us. But if they are consumed by the allurements of the world, they will distort our soul and distance us from the Father.
Your brother in Christ,
Apostle Ashok Martin