The Source of Love

The definition of love is interpreted differently by each person. Love, defined by the world, is circumstantial. It bends and flows in meaning as it’s filtered by those expressing it. But God is love (1 John 4:7). He and His Word are the source of true love.

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
─ 1 John 3:1 ESV

John asks you to look closely at the love God the Father has given to those called by His name, adopted into His family. As a child of God, you have been set apart, marked by His love. You are distinguished in Christ, and not of this world. The world doesn’t know love simply because they don’t know God.

You have been set apart, marked by His love.

John primarily used the Greek word agape, referring to God’s unconditional love for us when he wrote about it. God’s love for us is not selfish, self-pleasing, but always considers others. His love looks to see what He can give, not what He can get. He loves with no strings attached. His love for us is that same love He desires for us to have for one another.

You have been set apart, marked by His love. It is this unconditional love for one another that will identify you as His own. Your love for God and others is the very thing He uses to draw others to experience Him.

Today’s One Thing
Ask yourself, Am I living a life of unconditional love? Do others see me as a reflection of a God who loves them?

Go Deeper

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