Come thou fount of every blessing
Come to the Saviour now
Spirit of God descend upon my heart
I sought the Lord, afterwards I knew
I live thy kingdom Lord
Saviour teach me day by day
Glory be to the Father
(1 John 4:13-21 ESV)
We love because he first loved us.
God's love is the game changer. He loves us, ergo we also can love.
The sort of love that should mark the love we have for our fellow believers is to show the love that God has for us.
God's love is not based our loveliness, beauty, behaviour, character etc. It is love given simply on God's choosing.
This is the pivotal truth...God's love changes us, it enables us to love.
1. Saying I love God + hate of brother = God a liar
Examples:
1. So if you have the means to help someone in need and choose not to, you are showing them hatred.
2. Seeing only the faults in others and not giving the benefit of the doubt
3. Holding on to bitterness
Love is not something that is an optional extra.
It is easier to love people who are an active part of your life.
If you can't love those who are part of your life, then how can you say you love God?
Loving others is part of keeping his commandments. If you love Jesus you love God. If you love God you love other people. It's a circle that surrounds us.
Loving God is expressed in our love for others.
First comes God's love, then we show that love.
So here's the question. How can I show God's love to others on a regular basis?
Consider what it would be like if God treated you the way you treat others? Know that it is only because of God that you can treat others with love. God's love makes such a difference in your life. So make a difference to others.