John gives us quite a lesson on love after he warns us about false prophets. We’re supposed to love fellow believers and test every prophet to make sure they are in alignment with the truth about Jesus. Verse 4 has some reassuring news for us in terms of these false prophets. “But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.” John has a lot to say about both topics, but let’s focus on love because the world could use a reminder of what love means.
John tells us a couple of things about love that make sense to us as believers. He says that love comes from God, and that God is love. Take a moment to let that sink in just a bit. Love is a gift from God, and our ability to love has a purpose. Many people distort love into something it is not intended to be, totally missing the point of such a gift.
John reminds us of what love looks like using the example of God’s grand display of love. The sacrifice of his son, Jesus, is the ultimate demonstration of what love truly is. Can you even fathom how much God loves you?
Our ability to love others comes from the Spirit God has given us. When godly love displays itself in our lives, we look more like Jesus. Those who haven’t accepted a relationship with God are missing out on being good lovers. Our society reveals the consequences of this with all the hate and division the evil one has been able to generate.
According to John, our love grows more perfect the more time we spend with God. Verse 17 speaks to the benefit we have as believers. “And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world.” Not only do we become better lovers, but our confidence also grows until we meet Jesus face to face.
I feel sad for those people who say, “But I’m a good person.” They are missing the point. Without accepting the love of the Father, there will always be doubt for them; they will always be separated from God. As believers, we know that there is nothing we can do to make God love us more than he already does. We become “good” people in God’s eyes when we are devoted to him and desire to be more Christ-like.
Can you do a better job of loving your neighbor? Here again, John reminds us of Jesus’ command, “Those who love God must also love their fellow believers.” What struck me here is the emphasis on “fellow believers.” When Jesus told us to love one another as he loved us, I imagined he meant everybody. Maybe John’s words clarify who we are supposed to love?
The more time we spend in God’s word, getting to know his character and desires for us, I think he wants us to start with other believers because that would be easier. When it comes to loving the outcasts, we can also look to Jesus’ example. He loved the people but not their choices. That can be hard when people see their choices as defining their identity.
If you are struggling to love, like much of the world appears to be, turn to Jesus. Look for his counsel and ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with a loving heart. Don’t forget to ask for a discerning spirit as well. Even Jesus told those he loved to sin no more. We show true love when we help our friends and neighbors accept God’s love and overcome the pressures of the world. The world needs love. The world needs God.
Let’s pray. Father, thank you for how much you love me. Help me be a better lover to those around me, displaying love like you would. Help me not fall prey to the evil one’s attempts to mislead me or allow me to be tolerant of behaviors that anger you. Tolerance is not love. Thank you for the example you set and the sacrifice you made to display true love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
