Reading: I John 4-5
Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth Him that begat loveth Him also that is begotten of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments: and His commandments are not grievous. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith(I John 5:1-4).
He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love (4:8). If we were pressed to find a thesis statement for the Book of I John, this would be it. In five short chapters, the love of God is referenced over 40 times. The word love, as it is put forth here by John, is not mentioned as a passive emotional state. Instead, it represents the all-encompassing presence of God. He is not a loving God; He is love. Every action He takes is taken in love because love is the essence of His being.
Because God is love, it should come as no surprise to us that we, as His children, are expected to live within that love. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep His commandments. Jesus’ commandments were simple and direct. Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets (Matt. 22:37-40). Only by taking on the essence of God (love) can we assume our rightful place in the family of God.
Godly love is not an emotion; it is an action. Love is never motionless; it is never paralyzed by fear. Love is never motivated by personal needs or desires. Jesus suffered and died for us, yet even before His terrible death on the cross, He gave us everything He had. He showed love and compassion to everyone He encountered, asking nothing in return. How many of us are willing to do the same?
It is easy for us today to talk of Christian love, but acting in love is rarely that simple. We happily chip in when our group sponsors a Salvation Army ‘angel,’ or we add that extra dollar to the check-out total for the Children's Miracle Network drive. We then pat ourselves on the back because we are acting in the spirit of Christ, but what did we really accomplish? Was love shown, or were we just showcasing our charitable nature? When was the last time we gave, not because we had extra, but simply because someone else had none? Honest Christian love is shown by placing the needs of others ahead of our own. When we do this, an amazing thing happens. Instead of feeling overworked and underappreciated, we become flooded with an overwhelming sense of peace and satisfaction. As we make a difference in the lives of others, God’s love pours forth and envelops us, and our joy becomes full.
These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is My commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you(John 15:11-12).
Thought for Today: The sacrifice incurred by Godly love only makes room for the warmth of the giving spirit.
Word Studies:5:18 he that is begotten of God keepeth himself = he that is saved will not become involved in sinful activities.
Pray for StaffTifany Parisi • Government Official: Rep. Zoe Lofgren (CA) • Country: Malawi (17,377,468) in Southeastern Africa • Major Languages: English, Chichewa • Religious Freedom • 82.6% Christian; 13% Muslim; 1.9% Other; 2.5% None • Prayer Suggestion: Praise the Lord for His faithfulness and mercy (Lam. 3:22-23).