Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
1 John 3:18 ESV
Loving people sounds easy, but when it comes to actual reality, it’s hard. Loving is fundamental to the Christian faith. When Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was, He replied that only was it the greatest commandment but on it, the whole law and prophets hung on too, and what was that commandment? To love God with our thoughts, actions and words and to love our neighbor as ourself.
It appears that when John was writing this letter, he thought those who did not love fully, as spiritually immature. Look how he addresses this statement, Little children. This is a concept so fundamental and simple, John is directing it at those who are young in their faith. And while this is an important verse to be reminded of during our journey, think about how often are those who love God and spiritually mature are characterised by this love.
It is important to notice the distinction John makes here between the different types of love. First there is spoken love, loving people with words but not having the actions to back it up. This is the sort of love John is warning us about. The problem with this sort of love is that it doesn’t get down into the depth and dirt of life with people. It is shallow and fails to address real needs. It is at risk of coming across as not caring or even hypocritical.
This shallow love is compared to full love, loving in action and in truth. When Christ loved people, He didn’t just tell them He loved them, He acted on it. From healing the sick, feeding people and casting out demons to the ultimate act of love on the cross, Jesus always demostrated His love for us. I heard someone say once, Love is a doing word. I thought that was one of the more profound things I’ve ever heard. So often in our culture we say, I’m praying for you without praying for them, or we say, I hope things get better soon, without actually stepping into their lives to help when we have the ability to.
John warns us against this shallow to towards living out the sort of love Jesus demonstrated. The sort of love which is willing to give up everything to help another, to meet people where they are at and physically show them God’s love for them.
I love the way John reminds us of this profound principle, we are to not only say we love but we are to show it. What better example do we have than Christ? Who for His love for the world, gave up everything, to suffer with humanity and die on a cross. What amazing love this is!
Let us love like this today!
♡
Musings by Tee 