The Apostle John probably wrote more about love than any of the other apostles. I’m sure it’s a subject he often spoke on as well. In this first epistle, he said, This is the message you have heard from the beginning. We should love one another. Let’s read what genuine love looks like as we look at today’s verse.
We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. 1 John 3:16
It was John who quoted Jesus when He revealed how much our heavenly Father loves the world.
For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
I have written a devotion on this verse that you will enjoy reading called, The Love of Christmas.
Because of God’s love, everyone who calls on the name of Jesus has a direct path to heaven. As simple as that is people down through the ages have tried to make it difficult.
Because of our sinful nature, there is absolutely no way to get to heaven. Except . . . Except for the fact that God made the only way and it is through His Son, Jesus.
You can sign up here to receive an eBook containing 6 Biblical writings on the subject of love. Click on the graphic below.
The Definition of Love
God doesn’t need a definition of what love is. Why? Because John told us in chapter 4 of this epistle that God is love. We on the other hand do need a definition and Paul gave us one.
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. And it is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
I have written a related devotion on this topic called, How Can Love Be Always and Never?
This definition should bring us to the place of examining our lives. Are the proper qualities present in us? And are we eliminating the improper qualities?
So, we know how much God loves us and the qualities that should be present in us. Now we must answer this question. What does genuine love look like in a person’s life? Here’s what John said.
Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. 1 John 3:18
He said, show it by our actions! What does love look like in your life? John gave us one example of how a person can show their love. You can read about it in this chapter of 1 John 3.
What Genuine Love Looks Like in YOUR Life
Telling someone how much you love them is one thing and it’s important. People like to hear it when a person says those words. God on the other hand wants to see your love in action.
Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God. 1 John 3:19
What does genuine love look like in your life? You are the only one who can answer that question.
You know what real love is because of what Jesus did for us. Paul told us about the qualities of love.
Now you must put them into action.
This doesn’t come to us as a suggestion. No! This is a commandment straight from the Lord.
And this is his commandment: We must believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as he commanded us. 1 John 3:23
Lord, Sometimes love is easier said than done. But then, we think about how you showed your love for us. Help us to show our love to others.
Here are 6 other related devotions about love.
- His Faithful Love Endures Forever
- The Commandment To Love Is Nothing New
- How Can Love Be Always and Never?
- What Has God Prepared For Those Who Love Him?
- Just Turn and Look, For God’s Love Is There
- Are Your Acts Of Love Endorsed By Others?
To receive each new devotional post delivered to your inbox, subscribe below by giving us your first name and email address.