"Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God, and he who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God; for God is love." (1 John 4:7-8)
One of the most abused terms in our daily living is "love". It is considered to be abused because of the poor understanding of many.
"Love [n.]: A feeling of strong attachment induced by that which delights or commands admiration; preeminent kindness or devotion to another; affection; tenderness; as, the love of brothers and sisters."
The above definition gives a clearer understanding of what love is to many, "A feeling of strong attachment induced by what which delights..." That is to say, without the condition attached, then there is no love.
In some situations, love is being conditioned to race, sex and culture, outward appearance and not the inner feelings. It is love for what it is at that point in time, beyond what is seen, there is no love. Some love for beauty, that is to say if it fades, then love does not exist.
Consequent upon this, that Evangelist John exhort us in these words:
"Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God, and he who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God; for God is love." (1 John 4:7-8)
This admonition points toward "agape" - the Godly Love, which cut across boundaries, race, sex, culture and every human condition.
Obviously, God is love, and there is no better word to describe Him than with the language of love. For it is through love that man was created not with mere words as other creatures; but in the image and likeness of God, and not only that, man was the only creature who was privileged to receive the Divine breath as well as the mandate to rule the earth with all its contents. (cf. Genesis 1:26ff.)
What greater love has God for man? Love beyond human telling, love devoid of condition, unseasoned kind of love, that is "timeless love".
Therefore, we are called to love one another in other to reciprocate this Divine attribute of His on humanity.
Finally, let love speaks and let us translate the word "love" into action; in doing this we will love beyond measure.
Peace be with you!
Let us pray
O God, whose Only Begotten Son has appeared in our very flesh, grant, we pray, that we may be inwardly transformed through him whom we recognize as outwardly like ourselves. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
© The ARCHIVE 04012022
Amen 🙏, May the name of the lord be praise now and forever more.
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