Where love is God is

“Love” is one of the most used and abused words in the English language. We can use it about chocolate, pets, clothes and music. It is also used as an excuse for lust, abuse and obsession. But real love is something that all of us need to both receive and give. The Bible speaks about real love when it says,

“We know what love is because Jesus gave his life for us. That’s why we must give our lives for each other. 17 If we have all we need and see one of our own people in need, we must have pity on that person, or else we cannot say we love God. 18 Children, you show love for others by truly helping them, and not merely by talking about it.” (1 John 3:16-18 CEV)

Real love is about giving our lives for others. It is more than just words, although it may be reflected in words as well as deeds. Jesus is our model and mentor for this kind of love. He became one of us, born in a manger, walking dusty roads, experiencing hunger and thirst, joy and sorrow. Finally, he gave his life for us and calls us to follow his example. His love empowers us to do this.

Real love keeps us connected to God and people. One of the ways to test the reality of a faith or religious belief is to look at how it impacts people’s relationships. The Bible says that,

God is love. If we keep on loving others, we will stay one in our hearts with God, and he will stay one with us. 17 If we truly love others and live as Christ did in this world, we won’t be worried about the day of judgment. 18 A real love for others will chase those worries away. The thought of being punished is what makes us afraid. It shows that we have not really learned to love.
19 We love because God loved us first. 20 But if we say we love God and don’t love each other, we are liars. We cannot see God. So how can we love God, if we don’t love the people we can see? 21 The commandment that God has given us is: “Love God and love each other!” (1 John 4:16-21 CEV)

Jesus Christ not only showed us how to love. He showed us God. That’s why he was named “Emmanuel” meaning “God with us”. Following Jesus is not about escaping from the people and problems around us. It is about loving others with God’s strength. It is having our heart’s desires line up with his heart. Then we want what he wants for our lives and for the lives of those around us. This oneness gives us peace with God and freedom from fear of judgement.

Are you giving your life for others? Are you staying connected to God and the people around you?

What is your focus?

Have you ever been watching a video and wished you could see things from a different angle? Perhaps, you wanted to see over the shoulder of the hero or look at another angle of the landscape. Well, with many DVD’s you now have the opportunity to do just that. You can select alternative viewpoints for many of the scenes. Most movies are originally shot from a range of angles. But the director determines what we see in the final cut.

In a similar way, our view of life is determined by whoever plays the role of the “director” in our lives. Philosophers have long argued about what makes up “reality”. Who decides what is real? Two people can view the same event and describe it differently. Two people can be in an argument and report it in entirely different ways to their friends. Who is telling the truth? Which version is the “right” version? What “really” happened? There may be a variety of answers to these questions.

So, how can we develop a helpful perspective on life? The Bible says,

“Let us run with perseverance the race set out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the One on whom our faith depends from beginning to end.” (Hebrews 12:2)

It teaches us that life is like a race, which God has marked out for us to run. This race is a marathon not a sprint. It requires perseverance and endurance to last the distance. It is easy to become weary and discouraged. To stay on track and finish the race we need to keep things in perspective. This happens when we “fix our eyes on Jesus”. He has gone ahead of us in the race, and is described as “the One on whom our faith depends from beginning to end”. In a wilderness setting where there are no clear paths such a person is called a “trailblazer”. They make a new path for others to follow. Jesus has done this for us.

God has a plan and direction for our personal lives and world affairs. But we may not see it if we are looking from the wrong “angle”. It is only when we “fix our eyes on Jesus” that things come into focus. The Holy Spirit is like the movie director. He puts the scenes of life together from God’s viewpoint. Many other people and forces will suggest a different angle or focus. But when Jesus is in the picture we see life as God intended. How can we do this?

Firstly, we are encouraged to consider Christ’s sacrifice. As we contemplate the suffering and death of Jesus on our behalf we are made aware of his great love. We also realise that he understands our struggles and shares in our hardships.

Secondly, we need to remember God’s character. When we face difficult and testing times we may be tempted to think that God has forgotten us. Alternatively, we may think God is punishing us as a sign of his anger. In contrast, the Bible tells us that God uses the hard times to direct and correct our paths in the way of Jesus. His discipline trains us and his punishment strengthens and purifies us to be more like him.

What are you focussing on? Who is the “director” setting the angle from which you view life? Focus on Jesus for a new look at life.