The Apostle John
wrote, We have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God
is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. (1 John 4:16)
Love is not something we manufacture ourselves. Human nature is bent toward selfishness. Love is a choice, and sometimes that choice is easy, but other times it's not. In fact, it might seem impossible to love certain people at various times.
But choosing to not love doesn't make life easier; it makes it worse. Over time a lack of love for others will take its toll on our hearts and minds, and even physically. Hate, anger, holding grudges, and having a general feeling of unrest: these emotions cause stress. It's not good for us.
When others hurt, annoy, or infuriate us, what are we to do? We may or may not be part of the problem, but either way, a solution is possible--a way to cope with strained relationships, impossible people, our own short tempers and selfish hearts.
We have come to know
and to believe the love God has for us... These words of John follow a
directive he gives: Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God and
everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. (1 John 4:7)
He's pointing us to a greater love. Not mere human love that can be picked up and discarded at will, but Divine love; God's love. Love that remains through the highs and the lows. Love that can endure all things.
He goes on to say, If we love one another, God abides in us. Jesus used similar words: "If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love...love one another
just as I have loved you." (John 15:10,12)
Choosing to love is the secret to abiding. Receiving God’s love and passing it on to others: It's the very means by which we connect fully with God and have fellowship with Him.
Loving others in our own strength and humanness is indeed impossible in many circumstances. We can't do it, or it’s an ongoing struggle. But we can ask God to remedy our inability to love fully and unconditionally. Jesus said, “Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do.” (John 14:13)
“Change my heart, Jesus.”
“Help me to believe you love me, Jesus.”
“Help me to love others the way you love me, Jesus.”
This is how John was able to say, I have come to know and to believe the love God has for me. He asked, and he received; and he called himself, The disciple Jesus loved. (John 13:23)
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God.
Scripture taken from (ESV)
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture taken from 1 John 4
