1 John 4:7-9

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.

 What is love? You are probably singing the song about now. You’re welcome! In all seriousness, how do we show love to others? This seems to be something humanity has lost in the “all about me” culture.

Love is essential to the Christian life: “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19). John encourages us to love one another because love doesn’t come from years of evolution, but it comes from God! All things that come from God are good. Love is how we express our care and affection for others. Love does not only describe a romantic relationship, but we can describe our compassion and care towards others. We show love by helping and serving. We show love by coming along someone during a difficult time. There are many ways we can show love to others.

A believer experiences God’s love through his Son. God’s love fills our hearts when we come into a relationship with Christ. This is why John says, “Anyone who does not love does not know God”. A person who does not know God can still love, but they do not experience the fullness that love can be, because no human can offer what is only God’s. This person will also love themselves more than loving others. This is not where the heart of a Christian should be.

Seeking God first means loving God first. When you love God first, your marriage strengthens, your spiritual growth deepens, and your love for others increases. Your life is no longer about you, but it is about God. When you love God more than yourself, your relationships change. You are no longer glorifying yourself; you are glorifying God! This is why your relationships strengthen, because you care for others without motive. You love others without expectations. Loving God means you put on the motto “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).

My Christian brothers and sisters, look to God for your source of love and affection. Love others because he loved you first. Do not take his love for granted, but glorify him in every avenue of your life.

-Pastor Brett