In 1 John 4:7 we’re told to love one another. So, in this devotional, we’ll learn why we should love one another and how this is the foundation of our Christian faith.
What does 1 John 4:7 mean?
Beloved let us love one another, for love is of God.
The “L” word, LOVE.
So many people are afraid of it. They’re afraid if they feel love, they will get hurt. And they’re afraid if they show love, they will appear weak.
But the meaning of this scripture is simple. Love is from God, and we should show His love to others. Because love is the foundation of our Christian faith. Without love, we would be lost.
What does it mean to love one another?
The book of First John talks at length about love and what it means to us as Christians.
So, let’s look at three fundamental parts of love that represent our faith in Jesus and what it means to truly love one another.
God Loves Us
In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
The first and most important component of our Christian love is that God loved us first.
God loves us. But our sins are a barrier that separates us from Him. No matter how hard we try we can’t get past it on our own.
So, God sent Jesus to be the sacrifice we needed for our sins. When Jesus died on the cross the barrier of sin was torn down and the relationship between God and man was restored.
Jesus Loves Us
The second component is that Jesus also loves us. Here’s how the Savior described His love for us.
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
Jesus knew He would face betrayal, pain, and death on a cross. But He willingly came to earth anyway and laid down His life for us. He did it so we could have eternal life with Him. Without the great love of Jesus, we wouldn’t have salvation or the assurance of heaven.
It is only because of the love of God the Father, and Jesus the Son, that we can return love to Him.
Our Love for Others
The third part of our Christian love is to show love to the people in our lives.
Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
This verse, from 1 John, talks about the love we have for our Christian brothers and sisters. If God loved us, then we should love other believers.
How can we show love to an unbelieving world if we can’t even love other Christians? We show this love by being kind to each other, showing respect when we disagree, and meeting the physical and spiritual needs of our fellow believers.
Why is it Important to Love One Another?
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.
Love in a Christian’s life isn’t an option. It’s a commandment straight from the mouth of our Savior. And our love should reflect the love Jesus has for us.
If we truly love one another, then we will give the very best of ourselves just as Jesus did for us.
And when we show our love for other Christians it will be evident to the rest of the world.
They will see how we treat each other and know we follow Jesus because of it.
The question is, what will they see? Will we be a good witness by our actions and turn them to Christ? Or will they take one look and decide Christianity isn’t for them?
Read the Bible Study, The Purpose of Life Matthew 28:18-20
When Loving One Another is Hard
Sometimes, loving one another is hard.
I know I’m not perfect. I mess up. There are times when I get angry or frustrated. I say things I don’t mean or overreact to a situation. And I don’t always live up to the expectations of what Christian love should look like.
Like everyone else, I have my good days and bad days. I’ll always be a work in progress, but I choose to follow God and let Him mold me into what He wants me to be.
Thankfully, His love is greater than our sins and greater than my frustration.
So, let’s remember, every day is a new day and a new opportunity to show God’s love. Even when it’s hard to do.
Read the Bible Study, Victory In Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:57
Why Should We Love Others?
We may not automatically feel love for every person we meet. Sometimes we click with people and sometimes we don’t.
But that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t show the love of Jesus to each, and every person God puts in our path.
We never know what is going on in someone’s life. They could be going through a very hard time and our love and kindness could be the beacon of hope that leads them to Jesus. If we are willing to let God lead us and show His love to those around us, we will be blessed for it.
Benefits of Loving One Another
When we show Christian love, we are reaping the benefits of a life lived for Jesus. He will bless and honor us as we love Him and those around us.
My prayer for you is, you will show the love of Jesus to someone today and be blessed for it!
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Thanks. we need a LOVE vaccine as well as an anti-corona vaccine. 2021 years and the world still does not see. thanks again for your work. love from a brother in the gospel.
Thank you, Chris! I completely agree. May we inject the love of Jesus into someone’s life today! 🙂 Blessings to you and praying for you now.
How can I go about finding the price of the prints and purchasing one or more?
Hi Brenda! The Spring Collection signed art prints are on sale from now until Aug. 4th. You can find them in the Shop. Thanks and God bless!
It’s not an option. I know it’s a song and a cliche but “what the world needs now is love, sweet love.” Visiting you today from the Faith and fire link up.
Hi Lauren! So glad you could stop by. I agree, love is not an option for Christians. It is a command straight from Jesus Himself. Be blessed!
I always tell people if you can follow this one you won’t break the Ten, and besides we are under the ministry of the Spirit not the law. But is still hard for people to just follow one rule.
I completely agree, Rebecca. If we could just love one another with the love of Christ, the world would be a much better place.