We know that we have crossed over from death to life because we love our fellow Christians. The one who does not love remains in death. — 1 John 3:14
It is a great comfort to find that the Apostle does not regard Love as merely an emotional or sentimental matter for every reference point to action! The love of God was manifested in the laying down His life, and we are to be willing to follow in His steps (1Jo 3:16). The injunction is that we should love in our deeds. We are not to shut up our ... moreWe know that we have crossed over from death to life because we love our fellow Christians. The one who does not love remains in death. — 1 John 3:14
It is a great comfort to find that the Apostle does not regard Love as merely an emotional or sentimental matter for every reference point to action! The love of God was manifested in the laying down His life, and we are to be willing to follow in His steps (1Jo 3:16). The injunction is that we should love in our deeds. We are not to shut up our hearts in compassion but to help our needy brothers and sisters. If we begin with doing kind and loving actions, we shall end by feeling the same. Often, when people come to me, saying that love has completely died out of their life towards some other person, I have bidden them to go back again and act with love, making the other one the center and object of helpful ministry, the invariable result is the refreshing and rekindling of the hot geyser-springs of affection.
Do not wait to feel love, but begin at once to show it because it is right and your duty, and as you step out in simple faith, you will find that God will make this to abound towards that also abound in grace you may this good work. Love of such kind is self-giving and the gift of the Spirit of God. This exotic bloom cannot flourish on our wintry soil; man's heart cannot furnish it. There may be a few wild growths, but they bear small comparisons to their beautiful flowers and fruit. Love is of God. It proceeds from His Nature and is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, which is given unto us. “The fruit of the Spirit is love,” and as we are united with Christ by faith, the love of God will be shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, and we shall be able to love with God’s love.
We know that we have been born from above as soon as we find ourselves willing to put the interests of another before our own, not because we have a natural affection or affinity for him, but because he and we belong to God. If there is hatred or dislike in our hearts towards any, let us beware! We must uproot it by generous action, or it will bring darkness into our lives (1Jo 2:9-11).
Prayer
Enable us, O God of patience, to bear one another’s burdens and to forbear one another in love. Oh, teach and help us all live in peace and love truthfully. Subdue all bitter resentments in our minds, and let the law of kindness be in our tongues. Amen.
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