Yesterday, we continued our exploration of 1 John and we saw how John intricately weaves the concepts of love and faith, showing how they are inseparable in the life of a believer. John frames love as an outflow of our faith in Jesus, asserting that true love cannot exist apart from this foundational relationship. So, how’s your relationship with Jesus?
Faith in Jesus is the bedrock upon which our understanding and practice of love are built. This is not an abstract belief but a dynamic, living faith that transforms our hearts and compels us to act. John emphasizes that following God’s commandments, particularly the command to love one another, is evidence of our genuine faith. How about for you – is how you love evidence of your faith?
Theologian N.T. Wright explains, “Love is the language they speak in the new world, and faith is the breath that fills their lungs.” This imagery beautifully captures how faith in Christ breathes life into our capacity to love. Our faith informs our actions, guiding us to love others not just in words but in deeds and truth.
John also challenges us to self-examination, asking whether our lives reflect the love we profess. This kind of love is sacrificial, mirroring Jesus’ ultimate act of laying down his life for us. Our call is to embody this selfless love in our interactions with others, demonstrating the authenticity of our faith.
Understanding love in light of our faith in Jesus helps us to navigate the complexities of living in a world that often misunderstands or misrepresents love. It grounds our actions in the truth of the Gospel and ensures that our expressions of love are aligned with God’s will.
This week, let us deepen our faith in Jesus, allowing it to fuel our love for others. May our lives be a testament to the transformative power of faith, manifested through genuine, self-giving love.
May God’s peace find you today. -Pastor Peter
Let us pray… God, strengthen our faith in you so that our love for others reflects your truth. Help us live out this love with authenticity and a renewed capacity to give of ourselves. Amen.