True Love

“This is how we know what love is: Christ gave his life for us. We too, then, ought to give our lives for others! If we have material possessions and see others in need, yet close our hearts against them, how can we claim that we love God? My children, our love should not be just words and talk; it must be true love, which shows itself in action.”

-1 John 3:16-18

I really love God. In fact, I can prove it. Want to know how?

If you go to my house you’ll find dozens of books about God on the shelves. Some are very long. I have Bibles in multiple translations.

Also, please notice the fact I quoted a Bible verse about loving God earlier. Further, this blog post is about loving God.

NOPE

That’s ridiculous. Right?

The clearest evidence of my love for God is how I love other people. If my heart and hands are closed to people in need—everything else is just noise. (See 1 Corinthians 13:1)

I can speak with tongues of angels, pray loudly, preach poetically, lead ministries, study scripture, or…fill in the blank. If my heart is not moved with compassion toward the needs of others to the point that I take action to actually meet their need—I am not loving.

“Come and hear the message that has come from the Lord.’ My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to hear your words, but they do not put them into practice. Their mouths speak of love, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain. Indeed, to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice.”

- Ezekiel 33:30-32

Throughout history, God has used prophets like Ezekiel to call people to turn from loveless, hypocritical, and superficial displays of religious devotion. John says it’s all “just words and talk.” Paul called loveless Christianity “an annoying, out of tune instrument.” Jesus said loveless religion is the same thing as meticulously cleaning the outside of a cup while the inside remains filthy and full of greed and selfishness. (Matthew 23:25)

As followers of Jesus, may we turn away from loveless devotion to God. May we return again and again to what makes Christ followers the greatest force for good in a hurting world. Love in action. Action that represents Jesus—full of forgiveness, mercy, goodness, justice, and love.

The footsteps of Jesus often lead us through the valleys where people are struggling to see the hand of God. Take someones hand this week and walk with them through the valley of shadow. And as God gives you grace, walk hand-in-hand with that person until they experience green pasture and still waters.