Evidences of Loving God

We have learnt a lot from the previous lessons about loving character of God. He first loved us and wants us to love others. We can't love God and please Him if we fail to show true love to people around us whether we relate with them or not. Love is essential for living as children of God. It is fundamental evidence of genuine faith. 1 John 4:7 - Beloved, let us love one another: for love is God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. The followings are discussed: Love as God Loves Us; Dwell in God's Love, and Walk in God's Love.

Love as God Loves Us: It may be difficult to show godly love, but we must obey the command to practice it. It was as a result of this sacrificial love that God offered Jesus for restoration of the fallen relationship and salvation of the world. John addressed those who practice genuine love as the 'beloved' because they are the ones that fulfil the law of love for redemption of life (1John 4:7-8 ). Believers who are genuinely born of God will practice sacrificial love. Such love is also known as divine love, not love that harbours sin.

Jesus Christ is the supreme expression of God's love. He calls people to a new life which is built on genuine love (1 John's 4:9-12, 1 Corinthians 13). John's definition of love shows that love should be based on God and find peace with all. Our boast of salvation must be anchored to practice of true and divine love. If love is related to salvation, it means we must practice love that can stand to eternity, not love that leads to bad experience and death. We must show love that can save and support others through our actions and emotions. Love that leads to destruction is not of God. Godly love is required to carry out the Great Commission and deliver the message of hope and eternal life successfully.

Dwell in God's Love: True love brings together the Unity and Trinity of God. It is from God, clearly defined by Jesus while the Holy Spirit gives the strength and grace to practise it. Holy Spirit has continued the work of having intimate relationship with God (1 John 4:13-16). When we dwell in God, and God in us we will love others and have the assurance of salvation. Divine love gives the evidence of God's identity in our lives as Christians. It also influences our actions and thoughts to live a better life.

Godly love brings about freedom from fear (1 John 4:17-18). We can be gripped by fear in many ways: fear of how to make progress on one's work, fear of how to relieve the burden of daily living and fear of what comes after death. In all these the greatest fear is the 'fear of God's judgment. A person merits judgement if he is not saved by Christ's atonement. God's judgement will result in eternal separation from Him. Christians should live to anticipate the Day of Boldness to stand before God for eternal rewards, not the Day of Judgement for condemnation.

Work in God's Love: Our works and deeds will reveal whether or not we walk in God's love. It is easier for anyone, rich or poor to claim he loves God and others. It is our activities that can reveal the kind of love we practice. To practise true love our lifestyle must match our profession of faith (1 John 4:19-21). Our love for others is fundamental evidence of redeemed living. You can't love and hate at the same time. Love activates God's standard for Christian faithful and perfect living. According to John's recommendation, love should not indicate suggestion or aspiration. It's God's command we must obey.

Commanded to love: Christians must obey the command to love, as the only way through which we can share the truth of gospel without condemnation in our hearts. Joy follows expression of genuine love, and those who are working in this truth will be enabled to effect a positive change in the lives of others. John further shows that godly love empowers other forms of obedience and ministry because it is selfless and sacrificial (2 John 4-6 & 1Corinthians 13). Disobedience to God's command to love leads to pride, selfishness and envy. Lesson texts: 1 John 4:21; 2 John 1:11.