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Let us look at what the Word of God says: "Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another" (1 John 4:11).
In these verses, we are confronted with a profound and unshakeable truth—the nature of God is love. This is not a sentimental or fleeting emotion, but a foundational aspect of His existence. As believers seeking deeper understanding and transformation, we must grasp this truth to walk in the fullness of God's love and reflect His heart to the world.
The Apostle John, the beloved disciple, wrote these words under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit toward the end of the first century. He wrote to the church amidst the cultural pressures and false teachings that sought to distort the truth of Christ. John emphasized the authenticity of Christian faith as evidenced by love. His epistle is both a theological treatise and a practical exhortation to live out the reality of God's love in a tangible and visible way.
In the context of 1 John 4:11-16, John appeals to the believers with the assurance and authority of someone who walked closely with Jesus. His intimate experience with Christ compels him to reveal the inseparable connection between knowing God and expressing His love.
Let us give attention to the original Greek to unveil the depths of this scripture. The word "love" used here is "agapē" (ἀγάπη). Unlike other forms of love mentioned in Scripture—such as "philia" (friendship) or "eros" (romantic love)—"agapē" is unconditional, selfless, and sacrificial. It is the love that seeks the highest good of others, mirroring the divine love demonstrated by Christ on the cross.
In understanding "agapē," we learn that it is a decision of the will, a conscious choice that transcends circumstances or emotions. This deepens our understanding of the lyrics and clarifies the command to love one another as an active participation in the divine nature.
Let us examine the lyrics further in light of Scripture:
"Dear friends, since God so loved us…"
1 John 4:10 tells us of a love manifested in sacrifice: "He sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." The love of God, demonstrated through Christ's atonement, is the perfect model and motivation for our love toward others.
"God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God lives in them."
This statement is reaffirmed three times, highlighting its central importance. To "live" in love means to abide, to remain steadfast in the active practice of love. This abiding is mutual—God dwells in us and we dwell in Him, a mystical union that begins with faith in Christ and continues as we obey His commandments (John 15:9-10).
"No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us."
While God cannot be seen with physical eyes, His presence is manifest through His people's love. This love is powerful, not only for individual edification but as a testimony to the world. By loving one another, we provide the evidence of God's indwelling Spirit, fulfilling Christ’s prayer that believers may be one (John 17:21).
1. Recognize God as the Source of Love:
Acknowledge that our ability to love is dependent on God’s Spirit within us. Start each day by inviting the Holy Spirit to fill and empower you to love beyond natural capacity.
2. Reflect and Meditate on God’s Love:
Regularly meditate on passages like 1 Corinthians 13 and Romans 8:38-39. Let these scriptures renew your mind and anchor you in the certainty of God’s love for you.
3. Actively Choose to Love in Word and Deed:
Make daily decisions that prioritize loving actions, especially when they are inconvenient. Love in action might be through forgiveness, serving others, or offering encouragement.
4. Commit to the Community:
Participate faithfully in a local body of believers. Serve, support, and walk in unity with fellow believers, ensuring that your communal life reflects the love of God to the broader community.
Proclamation:
We proclaim that "God is love," and we declare that we live in love by the power of God's Spirit. We abide in God, and God's love is made complete in us. His love empowers us to love one another as He has loved us.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your unending and sacrificial love made known through Jesus Christ. Fill us afresh with Your Holy Spirit, that we might truly live in love, manifesting Your presence to those around us. Strengthen us to abide in Your love and to extend it selflessly to others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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