"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 ever stood at the source of a river or a spring?
Have you ever observed a river or spring? It’s fascinating to see something that starts out so small and unassuming yet grows into something far larger and more powerful than you could ever imagine. That tiny stream might flow through valleys, feed entire ecosystems, and even shape the land.
When we think about love, it’s not always easy to imagine it in that same way; something that starts small but grows into something far more powerful. In fact, most of us have a limited view of love. We experience love through our human relationships, and while those relationships are meaningful, they are also often imperfect, influenced by our own limitations and flaws.
The truth is our understanding of love can’t be fully defined by our experiences alone. It needs to be rooted in something greater than ourselves, something pure and unchanging: the love of God. God is the source of all love. Without Him, we wouldn't know what love truly is, because He is love itself.
Just like a river that flows from its source, God’s love flows from Him to us. We didn’t create love, so we don’t get to define it. God does. And when we look to God’s love as our foundation, we begin to understand the depth and fullness of love; love that isn’t selfish or fleeting, but perfect, sacrificial, and everlasting.
Because we have been loved perfectly by God, we are called to share that love with others. When we love others the way God has loved us, we reflect His nature and show the world that we belong to Him. We honor God as the source of true love, and our love becomes a powerful testimony to His character.
HIGHLIGHTED QUOTE: "God is the source of true and perfect love, only He can provide its meaning."
TIP OF THE DAY: Think of someone who could use your love today. Take a moment to plan how you can show them God’s love, whether through a kind word, an act of service, or simply offering your time. When we plan ahead, it helps us act on our desire to love others well.
TALKING TO GOD: Gracious Father, my understanding of Your love is so small. Help me to listen to Your Word and come to know Your love better. Give me wisdom as I meditate on Your love in Scripture, and strength to show it well to others. In Jesus' name, amen.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
- How does thinking of God as the ultimate source of love change how you understand love in your life?
- In what ways can you intentionally share God’s love with those around you, honoring Him as the true source of love?
- How does knowing that God is the source of perfect love impact how you approach relationships and show love to others each day?
