With Valentines being this week, I wanted to talk about a topic that is fresh on everyone’s mind: love. The most perfect love that ever existed. The very definition of love. God is love. So often in the world today we hear that term used in a way to justify sin. It almost creates a negative connotation of the statement that Christian’s shy away from such wording. But it is biblical. 1 John 4:7-8 says, “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.”
While studying I came across the following:
“John said “God is love,” not “Love is God.” Our world, with its shallow and selfish view of love, has turned these words around and contaminated our understanding of love. The world thinks love is what makes you feel good, and it is willing to sacrifice moral principles and others’ rights in order to obtain such “love.” But that isn’t real love; it is love's exact opposite- selfishness. We cannot apply to God the view of love propagated by an evil world. Our definition of love must come from God, who is holy, just, and perfect. At the same time if we truly know God, we must learn to love as he does.”
Romans 5:8 says, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” God showed His love to us by sending His only begotten Son to be the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. It is through the shedding of His blood that we are offered a free gift of salvation. When accepting this gift we commit to living a life according to His word and are promised an eternity in Heaven.
As Christians, our love for God and others must be real. Love is not only a feeling, but a choice and an action. Love is knowing the truth then living it out and sharing it with others. Take time to reflect on the love you are displaying. Does your relationship with the Lord display true love? Are you putting into practice Christlike love to others? Are you sharing the truth or are you consciously watching those around you run toward the fire?