Dear friends, if God so loved us, then we also ought to love one another. No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God resides in us, and his love is perfected in us.
Into the Text
God’s love isn’t just for us. It is meant to be shared. I once read about a young man who went to his godly mother to complain about a university professor. While the young man was hoping for some sympathy from his mother, she simply said: “Well, I will be praying that God will give you real love for your old professor.” He was quite annoyed with her answer. Yet, after a while he noticed his feelings towards this professor starting to change. He suddenly felt compassion for him, seeing him with completely different eyes and being able to show kindness to him. If only we could pray for the fruit of love to grow in our own lives like this godly mother did!
As Christians, we have been born again, and this new birth has created a connection between God’s love for us and our love for each other. The new birth happens when the Holy Spirit connects our dead, selfish hearts with God’s living and loving heart. His love can now become our love. If God – who is love – is our Father, we will share more and more in that nature of love.
When we find it impossible to really love those around us, we should remember the deep connection we have with the Vine. The heart of Jesus is full of love towards us and everyone we have to deal with. He is more than capable of filling our hearts with His love for others. As we abide in Christ, let’s ask Him for that love.
Prayer
Dear Jesus, thank you for your deep and perfect love. Help me to abide in that love each day, allowing it to flow through me to others. Amen.