Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.

1 John 4:21 (NIV)

 

God loves us so deeply and completely that we can truly love Him back and honour Him by loving others. As we keep in step with the Spirit, He will creatively direct our lives towards perfect love, to fully embrace all that God is for us in Jesus.

Knowing that we have love through the Spirit of God gives our witness to the world credibility and integrity. Having first tasted God’s grace and goodness enables us to love and serve others without fear of being diminished. In truth, we become more fully who we were created to be in Christ Jesus, which is to do good towards all. Life then becomes most meaningful and purposeful when we are making the most of every opportunity to live for His glory.

Love wins more people to God than our theology.

This does not mean theology is not important. Rather, if what we believe about God does not flows into greater love for others, it is not good theology. If people cannot see love in our words and actions, as well as how we communicate God to them, how can they understand and receive the love of God into their lives. Theology does not produce love, but love does produce true beliefs and sound reasonings for them.

According to the Apostle John, the stronger our love for God, the greater our ability to love others. If we have a love problem, we have a faith problem. Instead of feeling condemned or guilty about our inability to love, we should continue to look to Jesus to renew our minds and heal our broken hearts.