Sadly, it often feels like the world isn’t echoing the early observations of believers, the kind that made people say, “Look, those Christians really love one another; they must be true disciples of Jesus.” As followers of Jesus, if we aren’t witnessing this reaction, it’s a strong indicator that we need to elevate our expression of love for one another.
1 John 4:16 NIV And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.
Is Love Even Possible Without God?
We might ask ourselves, is it genuinely possible to possess the love of God within us and yet fail to love others? As Christians, we are called to love each other. This love is a powerful sign to the world, demonstrating that we belong to Him and are His disciples through our actions of mutual love.
However, within our contemporary culture, some Christians have overlooked the fundamental truth that loving others is the most authentic and compelling evidence of a heart truly devoted to God. A lack of love in our interactions reveals the genuine condition of our hearts and our relationship, or the absence thereof, with God.
1 John 4:8 NIV Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
This is a stark reminder of the inseparable connection between knowing God and expressing love.
Love Began With God
As followers of Jesus Christ, our most significant relationships are rooted in love, starting with our very own salvation. It was God who initiated this connection, loving us first and reaching out with His unconditional love.
Romans 5:6-8 NIV [6] You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. [7] Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. [8] But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (emphasis mine)
Through salvation, we not only receive God’s incredible love but also His clear call to love one another. This includes our spouses, neighbors, and even our enemies. God’s instruction to love others is not a gentle suggestion but a command.
Love Stretches Us
God’s call to love our neighbor extends far beyond merely caring for the person living with us or next door. It includes everybody, our spouses, children, parents, colleagues, significant others, those within our immediate community, our nation, and in fact, the entire world.
The most challenging part of this command for many is God’s instruction to love our enemies. These are the people who have caused us deep hurt, rejected us and influenced others to do the same, been unfaithful, deprived us of opportunities, and betrayed us on multiple levels, impacting our relationships, confidence, and more.
Yet, God offers us no spiritual allowance to withhold love from those who harbor animosity and persecute us.
Matthew 5:43-48 NIV [43] “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ [44] But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, [45] that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. [46] If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? [47] And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? [48] Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (emphasis mine)
In these difficult situations, we must carefully consider the true essence and manifestation of love. Is it genuine love only when it feels right, evokes positive emotions, and we willingly offer it? Or does true love lie in the choice to extend it despite our feelings, even when it doesn’t bring us immediate comfort? Often, we may not feel inclined to offer love in such circumstances, but we do so because of our love for God.
If you are having trouble loving the person that hurt you, here's a prayer asking for God to help you obey His command to love everyone, even our enemy.
Dear Father, I am deeply grateful to You for reaching out and extending Your love to me first. Thank you for teaching us how to love one another by Your own loving example and instruction. All that we know about love comes from You because You are love. Today, and each coming day, I humbly ask You to strengthen me to reach out further than what is comfortable or convenient for me, to love as You have loved us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
1 John 4:16 NIV And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.
Is Love Even Possible Without God?
We might ask ourselves, is it genuinely possible to possess the love of God within us and yet fail to love others? As Christians, we are called to love each other. This love is a powerful sign to the world, demonstrating that we belong to Him and are His disciples through our actions of mutual love.
However, within our contemporary culture, some Christians have overlooked the fundamental truth that loving others is the most authentic and compelling evidence of a heart truly devoted to God. A lack of love in our interactions reveals the genuine condition of our hearts and our relationship, or the absence thereof, with God.
1 John 4:8 NIV Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
This is a stark reminder of the inseparable connection between knowing God and expressing love.
Love Began With God
As followers of Jesus Christ, our most significant relationships are rooted in love, starting with our very own salvation. It was God who initiated this connection, loving us first and reaching out with His unconditional love.
Romans 5:6-8 NIV [6] You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. [7] Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. [8] But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (emphasis mine)
Through salvation, we not only receive God’s incredible love but also His clear call to love one another. This includes our spouses, neighbors, and even our enemies. God’s instruction to love others is not a gentle suggestion but a command.
Love Stretches Us
God’s call to love our neighbor extends far beyond merely caring for the person living with us or next door. It includes everybody, our spouses, children, parents, colleagues, significant others, those within our immediate community, our nation, and in fact, the entire world.
The most challenging part of this command for many is God’s instruction to love our enemies. These are the people who have caused us deep hurt, rejected us and influenced others to do the same, been unfaithful, deprived us of opportunities, and betrayed us on multiple levels, impacting our relationships, confidence, and more.
Yet, God offers us no spiritual allowance to withhold love from those who harbor animosity and persecute us.
Matthew 5:43-48 NIV [43] “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ [44] But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, [45] that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. [46] If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? [47] And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? [48] Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (emphasis mine)
In these difficult situations, we must carefully consider the true essence and manifestation of love. Is it genuine love only when it feels right, evokes positive emotions, and we willingly offer it? Or does true love lie in the choice to extend it despite our feelings, even when it doesn’t bring us immediate comfort? Often, we may not feel inclined to offer love in such circumstances, but we do so because of our love for God.
If you are having trouble loving the person that hurt you, here's a prayer asking for God to help you obey His command to love everyone, even our enemy.
Dear Father, I am deeply grateful to You for reaching out and extending Your love to me first. Thank you for teaching us how to love one another by Your own loving example and instruction. All that we know about love comes from You because You are love. Today, and each coming day, I humbly ask You to strengthen me to reach out further than what is comfortable or convenient for me, to love as You have loved us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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