Let us not love in word or speech, but in action and in truth. —1 John 3:18
Love is an action word. Our love needs to be seen, not to provoke pride or praise to ourselves, but to show the world how God’s people love. It’s meant to put God’s beautiful love on full display: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35).
Lest we think this call to love is just from saint to saint or to our families, consider that Luke 6:32–36 says that loving only those who love you back is without reward. God ups the ante with Matthew 5:43–45: “You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven.”
The goal is to be like Christ, right? Beloved, we were His enemies at the time He demonstrated His love for us! So sacrificial love became our mission when we accepted His gift of salvation.
Make it Personal
How is God asking you to put your love into action today?