“Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love” (1 John 4:8).This is a famous verse. It’s inspiring. It’s also a verse that is frequently abused. Some people use it to justify any behaviour they want, including ideas or actions which directly contradict God’s own teachings. To them, “God is love” means … Continue reading God is love?
love one another
The indication that you are truly alive
In 1 John 3:14 the apostle John writes: “We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death.”Did you see it? Love flowing from faith. It’s an idea that permeates the letters of the apostle John. It permeates the Gospel he wrote … Continue reading The indication that you are truly alive
Love one another, regardless
Through thick and thin, and regardless of whether things are easy or difficult, the apostle John has some sage counsel: “For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another” (1 John 4:11).We tend to pay attention to what some people say more than others.For example, let’s … Continue reading Love one another, regardless
Righteousness includes love
In 1 John 3, the apostle discusses the importance of being “righteous.” Our society hates the idea of righteousness. In fact, it has equated it with being “self-righteous.” Being self-righteous is thinking you are better than others and looking down your nose at them with a dripping sense of moral superiority.But that’s not what the Bible … Continue reading Righteousness includes love
Are you dying for him?
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).In A Tale of Two Cities two men look a lot alike. Their names are Charles and Sydney. They both fall in love with the same woman. She falls back in love with … Continue reading Are you dying for him?
All she had to live on
Today is Maundy Thursday. It’s not as well-known as Palm Sunday, Good Friday or Easter Sunday. But many churches have special services.The name comes from Jesus’ words in John 13:34. He gave us a “new command” (Latin: mandatum novum) to love one another as he has loved us. In Mark 12 we have a beautiful example … Continue reading All she had to live on
Loving loving your neighbour, or loving your neighbour?
John Piper is a theologian. His colleague had a saying: “Beware loving loving God rather than loving God.”*Let me state that again: “Beware loving loving God rather than loving God.” Are there times when we love the idea of loving God instead of actually showing him our devotion and commitment? Let’s apply that logic to the … Continue reading Loving loving your neighbour, or loving your neighbour?
And we are its hands
Today is Maundy Thursday. It’s not as well-known as Good Friday, Easter morning, or even Palm Sunday. Some churches hold special services; some don’t. Either way, it’s a very significant day. The word “Maundy” comes from the Latin translation of Jesus’ words in John 13:34. “Mandatum novum” means “new commandment.” This new commandment is to … Continue reading And we are its hands
Return hatred with love
If you play hockey in a full-contact league, do not be surprised if you get body-checked. If you go outside when it’s raining, do not be surprised if you get wet. And if you follow Jesus, do not be surprised if the world hates you. The apostle John says that very thing in 1 John … Continue reading Return hatred with love
Failure doesn’t disqualify you
Jesus calls us to love one another. What’s more is that he provides himself as an example to emulate. “As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34). Since he would lay down his life for us, that’s a pretty tall order! We are summoned to self-sacrificial love. Today I’m here … Continue reading Failure doesn’t disqualify you
