This feature is coordinated by The Post-Standard/Syracuse.com and InterFaith Works of CNY. Follow this theme and author posted Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday.
Love is one of the most prevalent themes in all human experience. There is virtually no end to the number of works created — artistic, philosophical and otherwise — that seek to define and explore this topic. However, John (who is often called the Apostle of Love) provides us with a unique perspective in 1 John 4:8, “Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
The first implication of this verse is that we are made to love. This fruit of the Spirit is not always easy to live out, of course. Relationships can be messy and, at times, painful. It’s all too easy to grow apathetic or even bitter towards others, particularly if they have sinned against us. However, there is no room for the seed of hate to grow and take root in our hearts.
If we don’t choose love, we don’t know God. John makes it clear that love is a defining characteristic of the people of God. This truth is not found in 1 John alone but throughout Scripture, included in both the Law and the Gospel. In short, we are made to love!
The second implication actually informs the first: God is love. Notice that this doesn’t merely tell us that God is loving, although Scripture certainly testifies that He is! However, what we learn here is that God is love. That He, in His perfect divine nature, completely establishes love. This means we are made to love precisely as God alone had defined love.
Instead of turning to books, songs or other imperfect sources of human knowledge to discern how to love well, we must look to God and His perfect Word. Lord willing, we’ll continue doing this together, exploring more of 1 John in the days to come.
Len Flack is a pastor at Clay Community Church.
"love" - Google News
August 09, 2020 at 06:10PM
https://ift.tt/2CfYeIm
CNY Inspirations: God is love - syracuse.com
"love" - Google News
https://ift.tt/39HfQIT
Shoes Man Tutorial
Pos News Update
Meme Update
Korean Entertainment News
Japan News Update
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "CNY Inspirations: God is love - syracuse.com"
Post a Comment