“By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? 18 My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. 19 And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him.”
1 John 3:16-19 (NKJV)
Too often we relate love to the feeling of butterflies in our stomach, we had the first time we fell in love. Inclusive of the excitement, rolled into the anticipation of the next conversation, back dropped with racing thoughts of building a future with the one you love. As pleasurable as these emotions are, we learn in life, that those sentiments will be tested, and at some moments may be non- existent, which may force us to ask the question, am I still in love? One quickly realizes that your wedding vows, “for better or worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part”, had nothing to do with feelings; but created an eternal document in the court room of heaven that would prove to be your safeguard. Whether you felt anything or not, you would still do the things needed to care for the one you committed to.
I think of how Yahshua chose to die for those who both loved Him and hated Him. He loved, despite the painful words spoken and the painful blows given, and He forgave them then and forgives us now. Love is sacrificial and it is required of all who claim to be a Christ follower. John tells us in vs. 18 that love is not just a verbal confession, but is shown in genuine, continual actions. Opportunities arise daily, for us to go out of our way (lay down our lives) for others (whom we like/dislike or they like/dislike us), with the cost of setting aside our own busy schedules and wants. Ask yourself, “When a need arises in the life of another, what is my excuse not to help?” If you answer, “I desire to help but I do not have the resources to do it”, know that Yahweh will bring the resources into your hands, to accomplish all you desire to do. On the other hand, if you realize that your reason is rooted in your desire to frivolously spend your resources and time on things that satisfy your flesh, I encourage you to search your heart and see if the love of Yahweh abides in you.
