[When available, audio recordings of these devotions are posted at http://www.redeemerclc.info/audio-devotions]
Friday, July 15, 2016
1 John 4:19 We love because he first loved us.
LOVE IS MORE THAN A WORD
Take note some time of how often during a day you hear the word "love." A family member says, "Love you!" on their way out the door. In a TV interview a celebrity states: "I love all people, no matter who they are." People not familiar with other passages of Scripture are quick to quote: "Love your neighbor." Others don't hesitate to say, "I love God."
But the Lord stresses to us that love is more than just a word easily said and forgotten. John writes: "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us" (1 John 3:16). God didn't simply say, "Love you!", He put the word into action by sending His Son to be our righteousness and to bear the penalty for our guilt.
God's love for us in Christ is the source and strength of our love. John adds: "Let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth....We love because he first loved us" (1 John 3:18; 4:19). God's love has won our salvation and given us new life. May that life show in our love both toward our Savior and to all those with whom we live and work. What opportunities will you have today not only to say the word, but to really live love?
