1 JOHN 3:16-18

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 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? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

TO PONDER

I hope you will forgive the slightly longer verse today. But I think I'll make up for it with a shorter than usual reflection.

We often talk a lot about love. We say "I love you" easily and use the word 'love' to talk about food, sporting teams, pets and people.

Love in the Bible is not a noun, it's not simply a thing you have. In the Bible, love is a verb. It's a doing word, an active thing that requires deliberate participation.

So let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. Let's see what that kind of love can do in the name of Jesus.

PRAYER: Jesus, teach me to love the way you love. Help me live a life of love in action. Amen

Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle