The Right Love

1JN 3:18 NIV

Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

There is a malaise and a disease that seems to be spreading very rapidly these days, and it is insincerity and pretence.we have mastered the terrible art of deception and falsehood; we can now say one thing, while we really mean the very opposite. We seem not to be bothered too much by this, as it now appears to be the normal order of business. Even the church, which is to be the shining example of all that is Christ-like, seems to have been caught up in this issue also. There are some who are sincere and truthful, but there are some who have led others astray and mortally wounded their confidence by their acts of deceit and deception.

What is God's expectation for us who profess and confess his name? What does He demand from us who claim to know him and walk in his ways? Can we be trusted to mean what we say or do people have to double-check our sincerity before they believe what we say?

Today's extract was not given to unbelievers but  to believers by John, so it is not impossible to believe that the church today too will have issues with trust. It is easy to find the right words to move other people to do what you want, but is your heart sincere and truthful? For single guys in courtship, do you just say the words to get what you want, or do you speak honestly an act honestly? For the single ladies, can you make a vow of faithfulness and chastity and stick to it, no matter what 'friends' are saying or doing? For the married, are you sticking to the vows you made years ago, or are you finding untenable excuses to be unfaithful?  Remember, nobody can go to heaven or hell on your behalf; you would have to work out your salvation as a personal walk with God.

True Love is of God and it is his nature, so any kind of love not following the pattern laid down by God isn't true love. Love is best seen in action, not in words. As we live our lives daily, let there be a vivid consciousness that we are being watched and observed daily and our lives will only make an impact if lived under the leading, direction and inspiration of God himself. He is Love personified, he's Truth revealed. Love therefore can never be fully understood or lived out outside of him. Live in God, live in true love. His time of favour is here.