Beloved: We love God, because he first loved us. If any one says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. (1 John 4:19-20)
The language of love has been one of the difficult concepts to be translated into visible reality among humanity today. Every interpreter has his or her motif of interpretation.
Sometimes the motif behind interpretation has sentiment and condition attached to it. Thus, making the language of love too difficult to understand. Though "love" is a term with many languages but it has one understanding, and that is "God".
The scripture right from time immemorial has given us an in depth meaning of love, with reference to God - our creator. Then in turn invites man to love same. This invitation which came over two thousand years has left man with a fundamental question: " How much does he love?"
In the same spirit that, Evangelist John on our tabloid today has this to say:
Beloved: We love God, because he first loved us. If any one says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. (1 John 4:19-20)
An exhortation inviting us to love others as we ) love ourselves, for in doing this, it is God whom we love. For all men were created in His image and likeness (cf. Genesis 1:26).
Sadly, this admonition add little or nothing to our day-to-day living. For many love for reason(s), such as: connection, beauty, intelligent, material possession, etc. Then, if these are the yard stick for loving, it therefore means that there is no love at all. Though many of us claim to love God, while bargaining the price on how to sell out others. Yet suddenly forget that "he who sells out his brother or sister has no trust before the buyer".
Hence, let the drum beat of love sounds once again in our hearts for others to dance as we wish for ourselves. For God is love indeed.
Peace be with you!
Let us pray
O God, who through your Son raised up your eternal light for all nations, grant that your people may come to acknowledge the full splendour of their Redeemer, that, bathed ever more in his radiance, they may reach everlasting glory. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
© The ARCHIVE 06012022
May the blessing of God be upon you as you work in his vineyard
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