If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? — 1 John 4:20

It’s love! Almost anything can be interpreted as a metaphor. A large number of Christians have attempted to look it up in a dictionary or lexicon. However, they are unaware that the most significant word for love, agape, is defined by its outcome. The meaning of agape before Christians acquired the word was the same as it is today: anything. In 1 John, however, what God does demonstrates what love is. As a result of God’s care, we can see how much he loves us. In the same manner, he instructs us to treat our siblings with respect. The expression of love must go beyond mere words; it must be accompanied by action.

 

Thought

It’s love! Almost anything can be interpreted as a metaphor. A large number of Christians have attempted to look it up in a dictionary or lexicon. However, they are unaware that the most significant word for love, agape, is defined by its outcome. The meaning of agape before Christians acquired the word was the same as it is today: anything. In 1 John, however, what God does demonstrates what love is. As a result of God’s care, we can see how much he loves us. In the same manner, he instructs us to treat our siblings with respect. The expression of love must go beyond mere words; it must be accompanied by action.

 

Prayer

Dear Father, thank you so much for extending your love to me. I must admit that, in my heart, I want to love people the way you do, but my good intentions are frequently overridden by busyness or timidity. Father, guide me by your Spirit to act out my love for others rather than just think about it and say it. In Jesus’s precious name I pray. Amen.