“Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God.
Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God.” – 1 John 4:7 (NLT)
Have you been to the source of a river? It’s a remarkable thing to witness something that appears small in the moment but will grow in strength and volume beyond what you can comprehend. Have you ever considered love in that way?
In our limited understanding, we all have a concept of what it means to love and be loved. However, our view of love is small because we are small and tainted by sin; every human being is afflicted by sin. Our comprehension of what love truly is and means must find its foundation in a source beyond ourselves.
When we look to love’s source, we can set our understanding on the fullness of it. Love’s depth and power find true meaning when we look to our great God who defines love! We didn’t create love, so we don’t get to define love. God is the source of true and perfect love. Only He can provide its meaning.
Since we are perfectly loved, we must share this love that is greater than us with those God has entrusted us to love—our “neighbors.” When we love in the way God has first loved us, it shows we belong to Him, and it honors Him as the source of love that is true and right.
“God is the source of true and perfect love, only He can provide its meaning.”
Tip of the Day
Decide to show love to someone who needs it today. Planning to do so helps to hold our heart accountable and encourages us to actually do what God calls us to do.
Prayer
Gracious Father, my understanding of Your love is so small. Help me to listen to Your Word so I come to know Your love better. Give me wisdom as I meditate on Your love as You reveal it in Scripture, and strength to show it well to others. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pause and Reflect
How does considering God as the ultimate source of love reshape your understanding of love and its meaning in your life?
In what practical ways can you intentionally share God’s love with those around you, honoring Him as the true source of love?
How does this acknowledgment impact the way you approach relationships and express love to others in your daily life?
