Worthy Love

“The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

There is a difference between saying I love you and showing your love. You have most likely heard the saying, “You can talk the talk, but can you walk the walk?” Talking the talk is just noise unless it is backed up with action: “If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal” (1 Corinthians 13:1).

Some say they love God, but saying you love God is not enough: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). There were then, and there are now, people who profess a love for Christ but continue to live their lives in worldly ways. If our love for God is true, it is revealed in the way we respond to God’s commands. Jesus confronted those who professed love without action: “Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46). Loving God is devoting our lives to His way of life, giving Him our heart, our soul and our minds that He may guide us in His truth

Love without action is contrary to the love God presents to us. If you know God, you know that His love is active: “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). God’s love is active in our lives. His love shows us the way of life that is most beneficial to us: “I know, O LORD, that a man's way is not in himself, nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps” (Jeremiah 10:23). God’s commands are based in His love for mankind and His desire for “all men to be saved” (1 Timothy 2:4).

Jesus died to provide the world with a love they never knew: “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). We can easily see that God did more than just say, “I love you.” He sent His love to pay the price of our disobedience and give us hope of reconciliation. His love was sent to all and those who envelope His love become active in their love for Him (2 Thess 1:6-9).

Active love is made evident to the world: “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). Sacrificial love assures the welfare of others and is noticeable by all because it is working to make sure others have what is best for them. This is the love God displayed in Christ. When those of the world witness active love it makes them desire this love in their lives.

In His Grace,
Cub