Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   1 John 4:7-8

Today’s passage is a clear and succinct reminder of the importance of experiencing the love of God in our lives. God is love. Perhaps that is one of the most important statements made in all of scripture. Whatever other characteristics we attach to our understanding about our Creator, the reality that He is love must not be ignored or diminished. Let’s look at each of these amazing truths. First, there is a plea for us to love one another. The word agape (love) is used in the New Testament more than two hundred times. With even a cursory reading of the Bible, it is difficult to miss the theme that loving others is at the core of the Christian experience. Why? It is because love is from God. Our capacity to receive and give love is by His design. It only stands to reason that a God who is love would create beings with that same ability. Love brings stability, love creates security, and love promotes spiritual prosperity. To experience love and acceptance is by God’s design.

Everyone who loves demonstrates two important things. (1) Christian love affirms one’s salvation. “Everyone who loves is born of God” (John 3:3). Once again, this is the capacity to love others beyond your family and friends (Matthew 5:46-47). This is a supernatural ability to love others in the face of anger, hostility, and hatred. As Jesus was facing the torment and ridicule associated with the cross, He was still able to love by praying, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). Likewise, Stephen, while being persecuted, as the crowd was stoning Him, was able to say, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (Acts 7:60). Those that love this way prove themselves to be “born of God.” (2) Christian love affirms that you know God. Once again, it only stands to reason that if God is love, then your capacity to love would testify to your knowledge of Him. This type of knowledge goes far beyond knowing about God rather it is relational experience with God. Conversely, the opposite is true. “The one who does not love does not know God…because God is love.” How we treat others usually indicates how we view God. Our passage today leaves little room for us to profess an intimate relationship with God while cursing the very people around us. Love is the litmus test for Christian authenticity. As you pray today, ask someone close to you how you measure up to this passage. If you fall short, ask God for a fresh filling of His love in your life so that you can supernaturally love those around you.