16This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. 17If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? 18Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. 19This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence 20whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. (The Message)
In the New Testament love is an active word, it never simply sits there and looks nice, it always has some impact upon those it touches. John picks up the theme well and proclaims that love is practiced in action and truth. At first glance it might seem a bit strange that these two words are put together but if you stop to think about it they really do make sense. The actions of someone might seem good, kind, and for our benefit at first glance. However if the actions are not based upon true feelings of love coming from one's heart then those same actions become manipulative and destructive. Eventually our heart gives away our true intent while our actions give away what our heart feels.
So is it really possible to love someone else with the purity of love that Jesus has for us? John says that Jesus' love was shown in the fact that he gave his life for us. But we don't have to die for the world because Jesus has already done that part and it can't be repeated. Is it possible though to die to our own selfishness for the sake of others? This is where it gets difficult I think. Because before we can die to our own selfishness we have to become aware of what drives us and makes us choose one thing over another. We have to know our own hearts more than most of us are comfortable with. We have to know why we act or don't act the way we do toward others and that isn't easy.
Over and over in the New Testament I read that we are to love another. I read that and it sounds so easy and simple. It seems like we should be able to do that with ease and then everything will be just fine. Then I look upon my actions and I look into my heart and I see that I have so far to go that I get discouraged and despair of ever getting it right. Yet because I know that Jesus loves me I put away the discouragement and despair and move back into the world doing the best to love with both action and truth.
Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:
- Which do you find easier to say you love someone or to act in loving ways?
- How do you know if someone is acting out of love or self-interest?
- How do you know when you are acting out of love or self-interest?
- What act can you do today for someone your heart says you love?
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