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Loving Through Actions
not difficult to murder. The murder committed may not be physical in nature, but you can murder mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Cain’s actions pointed to whom he belonged. People will identify you based upon how you treat others.
As you put forth effort to love John reminds the church of something Jesus told them; don’t be surprised if the world hates you (vs. 13). The world represents those of a carnal mind and those who live according to the flesh. Because you are doing your best to live a life pleasing to the Father do not be surprised when people do not treat you the same. The world will not love you un- conditionally; there will al- ways be a motive.
John says that you will know when you have passed from death to life because of the love that you have for one another (vs. 14). You will know that you are living
a spiritual life pleasing to God as you demonstrate the love of God. You will know that you are walking in the light when you love those who have hurt you, betrayed, and lied on you. True love comes when you stop living in the flesh and start living in the spirit.
The model of love was demonstrated by Jesus when He laid His life down for us and this is the love you must have (vs. 16). Living in the flesh will cause you to take your brother or sister’s life, but living in the spirit will cause you to lay down your life for them. Laying down your life simply means you will sacrifice yourself for the betterment of others. You will not keep your life for your own enjoyment while your brothers and sisters suffer.
John makes this point clearer in the next verse say- ing, “If anyone has material possessions and sees a
brother or sister in need, but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person (vs. 17)?” The love that you have cannot be by words only, but it must be shown through actions (vs. 18). The people of God can- not just talk about love, they must be about love. Your ac- tions speak louder than your words. If you can say it, then you must do it.
Love is a major part of the Christian life. It is difficult to fully live the life of a Christian without authentic love. As children and the people of God we must all possess and demonstrate the love of God. The love we must have is not reserved for only those who love us back but it is also extended to those who do not. The love that you show says some- thing about who you really are. John’s letter to the church (1 John 3:11-24) speaks more on the topic.
The message of love that you hear is nothing new; it is the same message you have
heard from the beginning: we must love one another (vs. 11). The message of love originated with God and the Son. God’s love extends to all people; so must your love.
John gives an example of how not to love by recalling the life of Cain. John teaches that Cain belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother because his ac- tions were evil but his brother’s were righteous (vs. 12).
When there is an insuffi- ciency of love there is high probability of hate and hurt. When you hate someone it is
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY PAGE 5-B