“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:18
Love is a word that transcends language, creed, and culture. Love means many things to many people. In today’s world, love evolves with the latest pop culture trends and fads. Mainstream media, film, music, and publishing industries often promote love that is a selfish fleeting feeling of happiness void of responsibility or commitment. Fortunately, most believers don’t reflect the world’s definition of love.
Living in a confused world, how do we influence our world with God’s love? As an outreach volunteer, I quickly recognized that authentic love involves more than words. In the company of society’s marginalized, I realized my outreach commitment meant more than just offering comforting words; it meant sharing their burdens, feeling their pain, crying their tears, and healing their wounds. Giving myself away was the only way to reach their hearts.
Jesus assures us that if we model His love, “…Everyone will know that [we] are [His] disciples.” (John 13:35) In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul reiterates love as the greatest gift. As believers, we may manifest all the gifts of the Spirit, but if we do not reflect authentic love, we have nothing.
So, how do we authentically reflect God’s love to our world? Deep intimacy is the key. Through continual intimacy with God, in His word and presence, we increasingly reflect His nature and character. We see people through His eyes. We love them in word and deed because He loves them.
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me despite my lack of love for others. Forgive me for my selfishness. Help me realize that my actions must reflect my words. Help me to see people the way You see them. Amen.
Take Action
Ask God to cultivate your character with His love. Ask Him to help you to reflect His love to someone today. Watch one of these inspiring short videos: Love or See, which are parts of The Treasure Series.
Describe an act of love you saw that really inspired you. Make a comment to encourage others.