October 8

Practising Christianity

We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. The one who does not love remains in death. — 1 John 3:14 BSB

It is a great comfort to see that the Apostle does not regard love as merely emotional or sentimental, but as action! The love of God was demonstrated in the laying down of His life, and we are called to follow in His steps (1 John 3:16). The command is to love in deeds. We are not to close our hearts to compassion, but to help our brothers and sisters in need. If we start with acts of kindness and love, feelings will often follow. When people come to me, saying that love has died between them and someone else, I have encouraged them to act with love and make the other person the focus of kind service. Almost invariably, this rekindles the springs of affection.

Don’t wait to feel love—start showing it, because it is right and your duty. As you step out in simple faith, God will make His grace abound towards you, enabling you to continue in this good work. Such love is self-giving, and it is a gift of the Spirit of God. This kind of love doesn’t thrive in our own hearts. We may see a few wild growths, but they can’t compare to the beautiful flower and fruit of love. Love comes from God. It flows from His nature and is poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit. “The fruit of the Spirit is love,” and as we are united with Christ by faith, His love will be shed abroad in our hearts, enabling us to love with God’s love.

We know we are born from above when we find ourselves willing to put another’s interests before our own—not because of natural affection, but because we both belong to God. If there is hatred or dislike in our hearts, we must beware. We must uproot it with generous action, or it will bring darkness into our lives (1 John 2:9-11).

Prayer

Enable us, O God of patience, to bear one another's burdens and to forbear with one another in love. Teach us to live in peace and love in truth. Subdue all bitterness in our hearts, and may kindness rule our words. Amen.