Beloved, let us [unselfishly] love and seek the best for one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves [others] is born of God and knows God [through personal experience]. 1 John 4:7 AMP
The Inspiration:
Love has been presented to us in different ways and terms. Hollywood, Hollywood and Bollywood all have their versions, and the images we see seem to suggest that it could be demanded or compelled in some instances, and it could also be rejected in some instances too. It also appears that the perspective of love from these models reflects physical acts or gestures. While there is nothing wrong with the physical side to love, the real version is first internal before it then flows out to the external. The love of God described here is the type that does not need my contribution before it can be real. It exists, it thrives and it is sustained by God until grace is withdrawn. The demand today then is for me to allow God's version thrive in and through me. No other version can replace or replicate that which God is and gives.
The Expectation:
Whatever it is I hold on to as love must look like and celebrate God alone. Love, in its real sense, is God's name and nature. The word 'unselfishly' has been added to the verse, because it reflects the attitude and response I must have. It can't be love if I am only interested in my welfare to the detriment of other people. It can't be love if I deliberately hurt other people in order to gain an advantage or benefit. It would also mean that God has to do His work in me, before the fruit of my life can look right. The world will prescribe external solutions, focused on improving the outer, forgetting that love is first internal. What you see on the outside is the progressive work of God in the heart. That is why the verse also makes reference to 'personal encounter'. Have I had that personal touch of God?
The Conclusion:
Has God left an impression on my heart so deep that it cannot be hidden? A man who has encountered God cannot hide the outflow of that encounter. Love shows that I am born of God and I know God. Love shows that God lives in me and that His life is made manifest through me. Love shows that other people can recognize my walk with and work for God. If I claim to know God, it will be testified to by men. The opposite is also equally true; it may take time, but hypocrisy and eye-service will eventually be found out. Who or what is the inspiration behind my perspiration? Can it be love, defined from God's perspective, or the result of my own plan? Remember, if it is not God, it is not love. Am I born of God, or do I need to sort out my allegiance and identity first? God's time of favour is here.
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