“Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”
1 John 4:11/NIV
The Bible teaches us that love comes from God, and we should love one another, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God (1 John 4:7). As we know God and have received His love, we should extend that love to others. Jesus also told His disciples to spread love and hospitality to one another (John 15:12/17; 2 John 1:4; 3 John 1:8). We see a consistent message which provides essential counsel regarding how we should embrace others.
In contrasting fashion, “whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love” (1 John 4:8/NIV). If we have hatred in our hearts and are not capable of loving others, from a biblical perspective, that is a problem. Is it possible to love some people but yet, have hatred towards others? Quite possibly so! Humans are not “hard wired” to gush forth with love and compassion, and perhaps to demonstrate these positive qualities to others does take some work. Perhaps enrolling in “charm school” and learning graciousness would be a good start!
God is the perfect role model for us regarding the demonstration of love. God saw imperfections that mankind had, and John 3:16 tells us He loved us so much that He gave His son to die on the cross for us! Whoever repents from their sins and professes belief in Jesus Christ will not perish but will have eternal life! What a gift for us as well as a demonstration of God’s love! Also, as we are aware of the “fruit of the Spirit,” these are God’s qualities provided for followers of Jesus Christ through the presence of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, self-control, and faithfulness (Galatians 5:22-23).
“And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister” (1 John 4:21/NIV). As I move forward in life, I will seek to do so in a manner consistent with biblical teachings! A repeated message throughout the writings of the Apostle John is that we should love one another! There are many ways that I can extend that love to others. Perhaps, I will show someone that love looks!
Self-reflection consideration: Do I need to love and extend hospitality to my brother and sister? If so, who has a need that I can meet and demonstrate the love and graciousness that God gives to me?
Many blessings to you!
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
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