The Love of God

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4:8

            We serve an amazing God whose love overflowed the realms of heaven so much that He sent His only Son to save humans from their plight. Mankind, then, in turn rejected and crucified Jesus, their only hope, just as God knew they would.  God’s amazing love for mankind, however, endured and our Savior rose in triumph over the grave.  Today the love of God is as strong as ever and is still available to all people.

            In a world of false love, Christians must be shining examples of God’s true love.  When the world around us retaliates, we must turn the other cheek.  Jesus said, But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you(Matthew 5:44).  These are nice words, but we need to ask ourselves, ‘Do they ring true in our lives?’  Do we practice what our Savior commanded? We must love, not only those who love us, but also those who hate us.

             By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). These words tell us that love is the identifying mark of Christianity.  We claim to serve the God of love, so we should reflect His attitudes to others. Unfortunately, there are too many times when those who call themselves Christians show little evidence of love in their lives.  In the midst of debating doctrine and discussing who is right and wrong, the defining virtue of love often slips out the door.  As one commentator put it, “These people are like singers who never sing and fishermen who forget to fish.”  If we claim to follow Christ, we need to listen to what John says in 1 John 2:6: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.  To live as Jesus lives is to live in love.  Jesus said, My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you(John 15:12).