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?
“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?
posted by Peter Wilson at 1:53 PM
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