Knowing God Through Love

We will delve into the passage of 1 John 4:7-11, which emphasizes how God's love forms the foundation of our faith and our interactions with others. The Bible, often described as a love story from Genesis to Revelation, reveals God's immense love for humanity. John 3:16 beautifully encapsulates this: "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life." This verse explains that God's love was shown by sending His one and only Son into the world so that we may have eternal life through Him and not face eternal death. This verse lays the groundwork for understanding the sacrificial nature of divine love. We witness God's sacrificial nature through the ultimate gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. This highlights the essence of love as a divine attribute, encouraging us to reflect God's love in our daily lives. We are reminded that to truly know God, we must first love Him with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength and then extend that love to one another.

Love is inherently giving. God's love for us is demonstrated by giving His son, Jesus Christ, to sacrifice his life for all our sins. This act of love was a turning point in the history of humanity and serves as a continual call for us to embody love in our daily lives. This ultimate act of love serves as an example for us to follow. As the scripture in 1 John 4:7-8 states: "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love."

The characteristics of God's love highlight that it is unconditional, sacrificial, and transformative. This love is not based on our actions or worthiness but is freely given, reflecting God's grace and mercy. Further on, love is more than just a feeling; it's about acting—giving, sacrificing, and serving others, just as God has done for us. Viewing love as a verb rather than just an emotion changes our perspective and encourages us to express our faith through tangible acts of kindness and service.

Love is not self-centered but selfless. Do we genuinely love our neighbours as ourselves? Are we willing to sacrifice our own comfort and convenience for the sake of others? These are tough questions but crucial for anyone striving to embody God's love. If we claim to know God, we must demonstrate His love in our interactions and treatment of others. The real measure of our love lies not in our words but in how we interact with and treat others. As the scripture reminds us, "If God so loved us, we also ought to love one another."

Loving others means serving them, making sacrifices for them, and seeking to live in harmony with them. It means rejecting hatred, prejudice, and selfishness while embracing compassion, empathy, and kindness. It's not just a suggestion; it's a command and a duty that we, as believers, must fulfill.

The importance of love in the Christian faith is undeniable. Love is the pathway to truly knowing God. By understanding and embracing God's sacrificial love demonstrated through Jesus Christ, we can understand how genuine and unconditional love for others reflects our true knowledge of God. When we fully understand and accept God's love for us, we are also called to show that same love to others.

By Wisdom Grace