But How?
- Barbara Fehr
- Jul 22, 2024
- 3 min read
“He loved by showing us that His life was not his own, but a gift to us.”
“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.” 1 John 4:8-9 NIV
God defines love in 1 Corinthians as patient, kind, not boastful or proud, nor self-seeking or easily angered. I can honestly say that love, by this definition, is not easy for me. My natural inclination is to react, to think of myself, to even boast. It takes work and practice to respond to life with kindness and patience. And often I’m not certain how to do it practically. But goodness, I want to know God and love others as He has commanded me. I want to show His love and grace to my children, my husband, and my neighbors.
If we just read verse 8, we’d all be left with an empty feeling. “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” We all fail when it comes to loving others well. Especially to those closest to us, at times. So, do we know God? For me, I know that my desire to love well can only come from God. I can’t desire that on my own. So yes, I know God. But I’m still human and I struggle. I need to follow His example on how to love well.
Which brings us to verse 9, “This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him.” God showed His love through Jesus Christ, His one and only Son. Jesus came humbly, quietly, patiently. He loved us by making Himself one of the lowest, sacrificing His status, personal space, resources, friendships, family. His life. He loved by showing us that His life was not His own, but a gift to us. He loved by listening and healing with kindness and comfort. Jesus didn’t forsake the truth but sought out those who were hurting and in need of being loved.
This is our example. We love well by putting aside our selfish gain or entitlement and recognizing our own need for a savior. Humbling ourselves and giving sacrificially to others who are hurting or in need. Truly listening to the concerns and worries of others and bringing their sorrows to God in prayer. Sharing what we have without hesitation, knowing that it is all from God, and He provides well for our needs too.
Action Steps:
Mama, I encourage you to read the rest of 1 John 4:7-21. We cannot love others well without first knowing who God is. We get to know Him by reading His word. And when we read His word and see His example, we can’t help but desire to love others as He has loved us.
In your own readings and reflections, ponder and pray on these questions:
How else does Jesus show God’s love in the gospels?
How can we love others better through following His example?
Prayer: God, I thank You for giving me such a perfect example of how to love well. May Your love pour out of me and overflow onto those around me. Amen.
Written by Barbara, an imperfect but loving mom of 4.