"We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers" (1 John 3:14). Although loving others will not save us, John forcefully states that if we are truly saved we will love one another; "whoever does not love does not know God" (1 John 4:8).
It's interesting to note that in the five chapters of 1 John, the word love is used 46 times. If love is this important, we ought to understand what it means.1 John 3:16-18 "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth."

John is saying that Jesus set the example for love and that our love for others is a direct result of the love of God within us. As we love God and surrender our life to Jesus Christ, His love fills us and overflows into the lives of those around us. If love for others is lacking, we must lay down our life and increase our love for God; a true increased love for God will certainly increase our love for others.
John also makes it clear that a Godly love for others is not simply an emotional "feeling" or gentle and kind words. When we begin to understand God's love for us - when we catch even a glimpse of His mercy and love in giving us His Son - we will be compelled to express our love with meaningful action such as meeting physical needs, readily forgiving when wronged, and showing Godly compassion when others are hurting. God so desired to be with us for all eternity that He gave His Son and loved us all the way to the cross. We are to love others in this same manner, "because He first loved us" (1 John 4:19).Our love for God is demonstrated by our real love for others. Jesus made this clear when He said; "whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for Me" (Matthew 25:40). We are actually loving and serving God as we love and serve others: "I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited Me in, I needed clothes and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you came to visit Me" (Matthew 25:35-36). Love must be an integral part of our Christian walk. Love must be directed up; "love the Lord with ALL your heart" (Mark 12:30), and love must be directed out; "love your neighbor as yourself" (Mark 12:31). Let's love as Jesus loved us! Let's look for ways to love with more than words - let's love with an active love.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Psalms 91

Image
Psalm 91 1  Whoever dwells in the shelter  of the Most High      will rest in the shadow  of the Almighty. [ a ] 2  I will say of the  Lord , “He is my refuge  and my fortress,      my God, in whom I trust.” 3  Surely he will save you      from the fowler’s snare      and from the deadly pestilence. 4  He will cover you with his feathers,      and under his wings you will find refuge;      his faithfulness will be your shield  and rampart. 5  You will not fear  the terror of night,      nor the arrow that flies by day, 6  nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,      nor the plague that destroys at midday. 7  A thousand may fall at your side,      ten thousand at your right hand,      but it will not come near you. 8  You will only observe with your eyes      and see the punishment of the wicked. 9  If you say, “The  Lord  is my refuge,”      and you make the Most High your dwelling, 10  no harm  will overtake you,      no disaster will come near your tent. 11  Fo
Read more

No Access

Beloved, it is time for you to divorce yourself from the devil and everything he has done to bring you down in defeat. Cut him off completely and refuse to allow him access to your activities, your bank account, your mind, your emotions and your will take back ALL the ACCESS you have given him. He has intruded, taken liberties, and violated your boundaries. Tell him in no uncertain terms to get out of your life and refuse to allow him back in, says the Lord. Enough is Enough! You have to stand in the authority in which I have given you, rise up in boldness, speak the word that you have hidden in your heart. According to your faith be it unto you says God. James 4:7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. For many of you it has been a long haul, but you shall begin to see the fruit of your labor. The time of difficult transition is about to become a thing of the past. You have endured the tests and are emerging with greater strength and wisdom. Enjoy & R
Read more

Witness

Beloved, I have called you to be My witnesses, says the Lord. Be aware, however, that it is hypocritical to only speak the truth without demonstrating the kingdom. The greatest witness is that of example, and it is more crucial than ever that you be an example of your faith in every detail. Let your behavior become a model that others can follow.  Matthew 7:21 "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'"
Read more