When most people hear the word “love”, they think of the warm, romantic feeling we get when we think of someone we’re “in love” with. Holding hands as you walk down the beach, hugs and kisses, candlelit dinners, Valentine’s Day, etc. These are all associated with that feeling of love. The Bible speaks a lot about love. Is it talking about kisses and sweet-talk, romantic cards, and bouquets of flowers? Our Scripture passage today from one of the Apostle John’s epistles speaks of loving one another. John spoke more about love in this book of the Bible than anyone else. Let’s see what he has to say.
As we read through the Bible, we find out that Biblical love is not a sentimental feeling. It’s not talking about that feeling of being “in love” with the boy or girl next door and blowing kisses across the room. It is a description of specific actions. Love is showing action, not just feelings which come and go on a whim. Many of us might know a man or woman who says they love their spouse and family, but not provide for their needs, spending their paychecks on themselves while there’s no food in the house and the children are outgrowing their clothes. Then there are ones who might not talk a lot about love, but their hard-working actions truly show they do. As we see in our Scripture passage, love is action.
As the Apostle John begins this passage, he speaks of death and life (vs. 14). Death and life symbolize unbelief and saving faith. One who is truly saved will no longer remain in his old sinful nature, which has died. When we become a Christian, we turn from death to life, and should also turn from hate to love. A lack of love would show that one is still spiritually dead.
In verse 15 John echoes the teaching that Jesus gave, that whoever hates another is a murderer at heart (Matthew 5:21-22). Outward compliance alone is not enough. Bitterness against another will destroy us (Hebrews 12:15). How we treat our fellow Christian brothers and sisters says something about whether we are remaining in death or rather are standing in God’s light.
The standard for our love is God’s love in Christ, who died for us (vs. 16-17). This love is tangible. God’s love is active, sacrificial, and life-giving. We must love the same way with selfless, sacrificial giving. Someone who claims this love, and sees someone in need, particularly a fellow believer, but does nothing to help, does not have the love of God in them at all. Mature faith is seen in actions. Genuine Christian love for those in need is demonstrated, not in words, but by one’s actions.
It is questionable if God’s love is present if a believer has no love or caring for his Christian brothers and sisters (vs. 17). Showing an indifference to another’s needs is a sign of being spiritually dead. True Christian love is to help those in need. James says the same thing in his epistle (James 2:14-17).
Claiming to love is not enough (vs. 18). Love shows itself in deeds. Jesus did not love just with words. He loved with His actions and His deeds. Jesus cared for the people He met. We should show by our actions that we care for each other, show by acts of kindness, being supportive, helping each other whenever we can. Christians need to put their faith into action. A lifestyle of love in action is a demonstrable proof of salvation (vs. 19). God sees and knows, not only our actions, but also our motives and intentions behind our actions (vs. 20-21).
As John concludes this Scripture passage he assures us that our prayers will be answered if we obey and do what pleases God (vs. 22-23). This is because when we are obeying His Word, we will then be asking in line with God’s will. As John has clearly pointed out, it is so important to God that we show our love for our Christian brothers and sisters, and the world in general as well, with action and not just talk.
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